Matt-RAI
8th February 2007, 02:28
Hey there, I'm Matt. I don't really want to talk about me, just about politics and leftism, because that's what I came here for. I have been a left-leaning man since I could walk. I'm from an American New Deal liberal family. But I don't so much lean left as I fall-flat-on-the-ground left. I have no idea what label I subscribe to (besides "revolutionary left", of course), so I support any good change regardless of the political philosophy behind it.
In particular, I'm interested in the Northern Ireland situation (or should I say the British invasion of Ireland?), and in the IRA/s' and Sinn Feins' histories and current actions. I'm pretty thoroughly Celtic , whatever that means, and have recently become fascinated with the politics in (one of) the homelands of my ancestors. I don't like to be a "Plastic Paddy" though. I have never had Guinness, nor have I ever dressed in green on St. Patty's Day. That's due more to forgetfulness and a dislike of the taste of beer then it is to ethical decision-making, I admit. The point is, I feel strong affinity with most of the modern Celtic nations, and left-wing approaches to nationalism in those countries are what "moves" me.
More generally, I'm interested in 1. wars and conflicts 2. with supportable left-wing factions (i.e. not the Nepalese Maoists). Nothing against pacifism, but it's difficult for me to identify with peace movements. Of course, I'm not a hawk either. I'm intrigued by Spanish Civil War-esque things, basically, where help is needed the most.
I really look forward to learning from the stickies provided by Revleft, and later making my own contributions to the community. If you need me to help in some movement related to the things described above, feel totally free to PM me. My friend (who's views are quite similar) and I plan on starting a lefty organization with its own monthly zine at our school. We hope it grows into something large that can support the sort of things we want to be active in. That would be the RAI. I'm not going to explain the acronym right now, because its meaning is totally ridiculous at this point, in the organization's toddler years. (It shouldn't be too hard for you to guess, though).
Thanks if you read this, and feel free to give organizational advice if you feel it's relevant.
In particular, I'm interested in the Northern Ireland situation (or should I say the British invasion of Ireland?), and in the IRA/s' and Sinn Feins' histories and current actions. I'm pretty thoroughly Celtic , whatever that means, and have recently become fascinated with the politics in (one of) the homelands of my ancestors. I don't like to be a "Plastic Paddy" though. I have never had Guinness, nor have I ever dressed in green on St. Patty's Day. That's due more to forgetfulness and a dislike of the taste of beer then it is to ethical decision-making, I admit. The point is, I feel strong affinity with most of the modern Celtic nations, and left-wing approaches to nationalism in those countries are what "moves" me.
More generally, I'm interested in 1. wars and conflicts 2. with supportable left-wing factions (i.e. not the Nepalese Maoists). Nothing against pacifism, but it's difficult for me to identify with peace movements. Of course, I'm not a hawk either. I'm intrigued by Spanish Civil War-esque things, basically, where help is needed the most.
I really look forward to learning from the stickies provided by Revleft, and later making my own contributions to the community. If you need me to help in some movement related to the things described above, feel totally free to PM me. My friend (who's views are quite similar) and I plan on starting a lefty organization with its own monthly zine at our school. We hope it grows into something large that can support the sort of things we want to be active in. That would be the RAI. I'm not going to explain the acronym right now, because its meaning is totally ridiculous at this point, in the organization's toddler years. (It shouldn't be too hard for you to guess, though).
Thanks if you read this, and feel free to give organizational advice if you feel it's relevant.