Ted Grant (1913-2006)

[Martin Blank]

Ted Grant, the last of the original members of Trotsky's Fourth International, died this morning. He was 93. The following is from Wikipedia:


Born Isaac Blank in Germiston, South Africa, he was introduced to Trotskyism by a lodger at his parent's house, and by The Militant publication of the Communist League of America. In 1934, he helped found a small Trotskyist group, but later in the year influenced by Ralph Lee, decided to move to London where he believed there were better prospects for the movement.

On the journey, he changed his name to Ted Grant, and stopped over in France to meet Trotsky's son, Leon Sedov. Once in Britain, he joined the Marxist Group, which at the time was working in the Independent Labour Party and took part in the Battle of Cable Street against fascists. But when Trotsky suggested the group should turn to working in the Labour Party, and their leadership disagreed, Grant was one of a small group who split to form the Bolshevik-Leninist Group, which soon became known as the Militant Group. The group grew, but in 1937, a dispute about the leadership's treatment of Ralph Lee led to the split of several members including Grant.

The former Revolutionary Socialist League members formed the Workers International League, and Grant was to became its main theoretician after the return of Lee to South Africa and in partnership with Jock Haston. The group grew, and in 1941, he became editor of its paper. He continued his role in the fused Revolutionary Communist Party. Upon its break-up, Grant reluctantly joined Gerry Healy's faction, but was soon expelled. He formed a new, small tendency in the Labour Party, called the Revolutionary Socialist League which in 1957 was recognised at the official British section of the Fourth International and in 1964 founded the paper Militant. The group at first grew only very slowly, but by 1983, when it was known as the Militant Tendency, it was a significant force in British politics, and Grant was expelled from the Labour Party.

Throughout this time Grant and his colleagues denied that the Militant/RSL was any sort of political organisation, instead claiming it was merely a group of supporters of the newspaper (also called Militant). In the atmosphere of Labour's long shift to the left in the 1970s, all attempts to take action against the Militant/RSL were successfully resisted and even Michael Foot's action against Grant in 1982 (he was expelled along with the so-called "Editorial Board" - actually the Militant/RSL executive committee) was half-hearted.

But by 1985 the atmosphere had changed - Militant/RSL were effectively running Liverpool City Council as well as having 3 MPs. The grouping was aggressively advancing within the Labour Party but also faced a new leader, Neil Kinnock who was determined to smash the Militant/RSL as a force within the party.

The resulting confrontation saw many leading Militant/RSL members expelled from Labour and created a dynamic within the organisation that led many to question Grant's commitment to entryism. They argued that Militant/RSL was able to grow outside Labour and that the Labour Party's position on the poll tax revealed it to be out of touch with working class opinion. Despite the purges organised by the Labour bureaucracy, only a handful of leading Militant/RSL members were ever expelled, and most of the organisation's thousands of members and their three Labour-elected Members of Parliament could not be expelled.

A debate arose within Militant wherein Peter Taaffe and his supporters argued in favour of abandoning the entrism tactic for open work while Grant and his supporters argued for continued work within the Labour Party. After turmoil in the group, Grant was expelled together with Alan Woods in 1992 after a document allegedly written by their faction emerged which stated that they intended to split Militant and the Committee for a Workers' International. Following their expulsion they started a new group, known by the name of its publication, Socialist Appeal. The expulsions also left Grant and his supporters outside the Committee for a Workers' International, but he and Woods were able to found the Committee for a Marxist International with international supporters. He spent much of his time following the split on his writing until well into his 80s.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Grant

Miles

[Enragé]

4 splits :blink:

anyway he led a good life :)

[Janus]

4 splits
:o

I agree, he was a strong proponent of our movement despite all those splits.

[Socialistpenguin]

Wow, 93. And he never forsook his principles in favour of capitalism: truly an inspiration.
Though not affiliated with Socialist Appeal, I greatly appreciate the work he's done for the Trotskyist movement, especially in Britain. Rest in peace.

An obituary can be found here: http://www.marxist.com/ted-grant-obituary.htm

[Vinny Rafarino]

Good riddance.

Let me know when woods croaks too so I can really celebrate.

[Scottish_Militant]

I met Ted a good few times and I was always amazed at his enthusiasm for the struggle despite his age, I think regardless of someones politics they will always admire a life of dedication to one's beliefs, Ted was a shining example of that.

Bill Shatner, although I probably shouldn't give you the pleasure of a reply on this thread, you are vermin.

[Vinny Rafarino]

Originally posted by [email protected] 20 2006, 02:06 PM
Bill Shatner, although I probably shouldn't give you the pleasure of a reply on this thread, you are vermin.
Better to be considered "vermin" by some kid with archaic beliefs then to continue to suck on the decaying balls of the man who helped creat this little fiasco called trotskyism.

Remember to pick the worms out of your teeth before you sell your glossies on the street, you wouldn't want to scare away any possible cult members would you?

[bolshevik butcher]

Oh fuck off, ted grant was an inspirational and principled socialist who did much for the advancement of the working class movment internationally.

[Wanted Man]

Originally posted by [email protected] 20 2006, 04:40 PM
4 splits :blink:

anyway he led a good life :)
An examplary Trotskyist. :)

[Vinny Rafarino]

Originally posted by Clenched [email protected] 20 2006, 02:42 PM
Oh fuck off, ted grant was an inspirational and principled socialist who did much for the advancement of the working class movment internationally.
Bullshit.

The only thing he could have done for the working class that would have had any value would be to turn toes up to the daisies 80 years ago.

[YKTMX]

Ahh, sad news - a great socialist.

And there's nothing wrong with splits in principal - the Boslhevik Party was a split!

[Enragé]

Originally posted by Matthijs+Jul 20 2006, 09:55 PM--> (Matthijs @ Jul 20 2006, 09:55 PM)
[email protected] 20 2006, 04:40 PM
4 splits :blink:

anyway he led a good life :)
An examplary Trotskyist. :) [/b]
better than a stalinist

0 splits

and millions killed

;)

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

Ahh, anti-communism.. you've got to love it! :rolleyes:

Also, remember that Trotskyists have never taken power anywhere, so we don't know if they would have "killed millions" (or if the imperialists would have said they did) or not. ;)

[PRC-UTE]

RIP.

I would have some disagreements with his politics, but I can't deny his commitment and his contribution to the workers movement. He was a great friend and ally of the Irish Republican Socialist struggle.

[PRC-UTE]

Originally posted by Bill Shatner+Jul 20 2006, 10:55 PM--> (Bill Shatner @ Jul 20 2006, 10:55 PM)
Clenched [email protected] 20 2006, 02:42 PM
Oh fuck off, ted grant was an inspirational and principled socialist who did much for the advancement of the working class movment internationally.
Bullshit.

The only thing he could have done for the working class that would have had any value would be to turn toes up to the daisies 80 years ago. [/b]
bla bla bla

Why don't you follow your own advice.

[Scottish_Militant]

I wouldn't bother replying to that scumbag comrades, he gets a hardon from the attention.

[PRC-UTE]

Originally posted by [email protected] 21 2006, 03:29 AM
I wouldn't bother replying to that scumbag comrades, he gets a hardon from the attention.
aye, wants to be the big lad.

[Zero]

Although I dissagree with him politically, I would have gladly called him a comrade.

[Poum_1936]

Being affliated to the IMT, this is sad news for us. This thread, despite a certain someone, truly puts a smile on my face. Wether or not you agreed with him 100%, everyone can still come together to remember and celebrate the man as he was, a tireless opponent of capitalism who always kept his sense of humor even during the hardest of times.

RIP Comrade.

[Led Zeppelin]

Genuine revolutionary, sad to see him go.

[Louis Pio]

Just found out, it's a great shame. Had the great pleasure of hearing him speak numerous times, he was always very inspirational. Was sad to se that his health was deteriating the last time i saw him in 2003. Anyway it's no shame to die when you used your life for something good. :) (and especially at that age, must have been all the exercise that kept him going)

[GeoffC]

Originally posted by PRC-[email protected] 21 2006, 01:39 AM
RIP.

I would have some disagreements with his politics, but I can't deny his commitment and his contribution to the workers movement. He was a great friend and ally of the Irish Republican Socialist struggle.
A great friend and ally of the Irish Republican Socialist Struggle? This is the bit I don't understand. Historically the Militant were largely neutral on the national question. What happened?

Geoff Collier

[BOZG]

He was a great friend and ally of the Irish Republican Socialist struggle

The Militant's position on the National Question was different to the IRSMs. It's only in recent times that the Grantites have had any links with the IRSM and mainly due to Healy. Even then, their approach has been somewhat opportunist trying to re-establish an Irish section after the original section joined with the majority of the International.

Regardless of disagreements with Grant and his comrades in his final years, his death is a great loss to Trotskyism and its history.

[bezdomni]

Aye. Sad news indeed. :(


It's only in recent times that the Grantites have had any links with the IRSM and mainly due to Healy. Even then, their approach has been somewhat opportunist trying to re-establish an Irish section after the original section joined with the majority of the International.

I am with the IMT, and I'm going to be meeting with a person who is active with the IRSM in just a few hours. He's also pretty involved with our organization.

[Louis Pio]

The Militant's position on the National Question was different to the IRSMs. It's only in recent times that the Grantites have had any links with the IRSM and mainly due to Healy.

Maybe because IRSM's position also changed. Has nothing to do with opportunism, from past discussions on the question I rather feel your groups hostility towards IRSM is because of things that is in the past.
Opportunism would be to say in for example Pakistan start the LPP ;)
I think the point made was that Ted always took great interest in the Irish struggle, going against both the reformists and the advocates of individual terrorism. (and the swp's zig zag course for that matter)

Edit: btw most of his works can be found here Ted Grant archive (http://www.tedgrant.org/)

[GeoffC]

Originally posted by [email protected] 21 2006, 05:46 PM
Aye. Sad news indeed. :(


It's only in recent times that the Grantites have had any links with the IRSM and mainly due to Healy. Even then, their approach has been somewhat opportunist trying to re-establish an Irish section after the original section joined with the majority of the International.

I am with the IMT, and I'm going to be meeting with a person who is active with the IRSM in just a few hours. He's also pretty involved with our organization.
That's as may be. All I'm asking is what's changed. Has the IRSP adopted your perspectives, have you adopted theirs, or do they constitute a mass traditional organisation of the working class in which you do entry work?

geoff

[Louis Pio]

I think IRSM has moved closer to our position, however they are an independent organisation with which we do work on some points, nothing wrong in that.

[Vinny Rafarino]

Originally posted by PRC-UTE+Jul 20 2006, 06:41 PM--> (PRC-UTE @ Jul 20 2006, 06:41 PM)
Originally posted by Bill [email protected] 20 2006, 10:55 PM

Clenched [email protected] 20 2006, 02:42 PM
Oh fuck off, ted grant was an inspirational and principled socialist who did much for the advancement of the working class movment internationally.
Bullshit.

The only thing he could have done for the working class that would have had any value would be to turn toes up to the daisies 80 years ago.
bla bla bla

Why don't you follow your own advice. [/b]
And die 80 years ago?

I knew you trots were a bit daft but come on, you didn't even have to just spit that out...you could have taken as much time as you needed (which I'm sure was eons) you attempt to come up with something at least marginally witty.

[Axel1917]

It was unfortunate to learn of this. I was hoping to end up meeting him sometime in the future, when I no longer have to deal with living in my parents' house. Well, his ideas, principles, methods, etc. live on today, and those of us in the IMT intend to carry on with this. He made very important advances in Marxism when a majority of the Trotskyists were totally unable to adapt to changing circumstances. I have recently acquired a signed copy of his The Unbroken Thread, and I shall put it to good use.

I hope I can try to get more involved and such. I feel a bit of a burden now that one of our most experiences comrades is no longer with us.

[A Suvorov]

Originally posted by [email protected] 21 2006, 08:18 AM
Genuine revolutionary, sad to see him go.
I'm with you- whatever one may say about his ideology, he a was a genuine revolutionary and not some keyboard kommando. It's hard to find the real thing these days.

[Faceless]

I have only read a couple of books by Ted Grant including Reason in Revolt as well as a few articles. What I have managed to read has truly given me a greater grasp of Marxism and I intend to continue studying his work. I joined the IMT too late to meet him or hear him speak but he will live on in the legacy and tradition of trotskyism.

RIP

[PRC-UTE]

Originally posted by GeoffC+Jul 21 2006, 03:52 PM--> (GeoffC @ Jul 21 2006, 03:52 PM)
PRC-[email protected] 21 2006, 01:39 AM
RIP.

I would have some disagreements with his politics, but I can't deny his commitment and his contribution to the workers movement. He was a great friend and ally of the Irish Republican Socialist struggle.
A great friend and ally of the Irish Republican Socialist Struggle? This is the bit I don't understand. Historically the Militant were largely neutral on the national question. What happened?

Geoff Collier [/b]
'Nuetral' would actually be kind, for Militant's record supporting the sending of soldiers to the six counties (ostensibly under the guise of protecting the nationalists).

However, in recent years Grant and Woods seemed to have changed their position (not us) and began promoting Connolly and the IRSP, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt. There's been sustained contact for a few years between the irsp and the Grant's group.

I'm not a Trotskyist (the IRSM is politically multi-tendencied) but our general secretary Gerry Ruddy is a fellow traveller with Grant's perspective.

[PRC-UTE]

Originally posted by Bill Shatner+Jul 21 2006, 07:40 PM--> (Bill Shatner @ Jul 21 2006, 07:40 PM)
Originally posted by PRC-[email protected] 20 2006, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by Bill [email protected] 20 2006, 10:55 PM

Clenched [email protected] 20 2006, 02:42 PM
Oh fuck off, ted grant was an inspirational and principled socialist who did much for the advancement of the working class movment internationally.
Bullshit.

The only thing he could have done for the working class that would have had any value would be to turn toes up to the daisies 80 years ago.
bla bla bla

Why don't you follow your own advice.
And die 80 years ago?

I knew you trots were a bit daft but come on, you didn't even have to just spit that out...you could have taken as much time as you needed (which I'm sure was eons) you attempt to come up with something at least marginally witty. [/b]
Maybe you could take the time to create a statement that makes sense. I'm not a Trot, and I don't understand "you could have taken as much time as you needed ... you attempt to come up with something at least marginally witty."

Better luck next time!

[Andy Bowden]

I think Ted Grants ideas towards the LP, and the SSP were wrong but nevertheless Militant was probably the Left group which had the most base among real working people in Britain (with the exception of the CP earlier in their life) and Ted Grant helped to build that base.

RIP Ted.

[rebelworker]

Originally posted by Lennie [email protected] 21 2006, 01:34 AM
Ahh, anti-communism.. you've got to love it! :rolleyes:

Also, remember that Trotskyists have never taken power anywhere, so we don't know if they would have "killed millions" (or if the imperialists would have said they did) or not. ;)
Well trotsky did, and his rather totalitarian and very anti working class positions are quite clear in his actions and writings (remember I was very active in a trot group for years before you start slagging me).

[Sabocat]

Grant and his supporters argued for continued work within the Labour Party

:lol:

That's some revolutionary.

[Vinny Rafarino]

Originally posted by [email protected] 23 2006, 04:55 AM

:lol:

That's some revolutionary.
Shhhhhhh!

Quite brother, we wouldn't want these cats to start thinking for themselves or anything....I mean really, who who be left to sell all those UK glossies?

[Amusing Scrotum]

Originally posted by Bill Shatner+Jul 23 2006, 08:00 PM--> (Bill Shatner @ Jul 23 2006, 08:00 PM)
[email protected] 23 2006, 04:55 AM

:lol:

That's some revolutionary.
Shhhhhhh! [/b]

Yeah, shut up and show some respect for the great Comrade Ted. I mean, it's not as if he was ever a leading figure in a group that threatened to snitch on working class militants. Oh wait....

[Scottish_Militant]

'Nuetral' would actually be kind, for Militant's record supporting the sending of soldiers to the six counties (ostensibly under the guise of protecting the nationalists).

That was the SWP. The Militant opposed this, i've been through this before.

[Axel1917]

Originally posted by Scottish_Milit[email protected] 24 2006, 05:14 PM

'Nuetral' would actually be kind, for Militant's record supporting the sending of soldiers to the six counties (ostensibly under the guise of protecting the nationalists).

That was the SWP. The Militant opposed this, i've been through this before.
Yes, but you know, as Grant has said before: those sectarians don't seem capable of learning at times. What do these sectarians and redstar2000 drones know anyway? Every little attempt outside of Labour has failed, and yet they actually think the working class will just come over to them, when it never has done as such in history. Genuine Marxism will always come under fire, both by the bourgeoisie and the enemies of the working class movement within it. These attacks are nothing new. Both of them fear Marxism like the plague, for it threatens bourgeois dictatorship on the one hand, and stays with working class interests instead of putting its own aims above those of the working class like those worthless sects do.