hello

[albionfagan]

Hello

I am from the Uk, currently studying History at the University of Liverpool. I've come to this forum because I enjoy reading and discussing issues about socialism/communism/anarchism. I'd also like to point out I'm of no concrete affiliation, I am certainly on the left but I would not say I'm a marxist. I'm quite liberal too, whilst I take a lot from what Trotsky/Lenin have written i do not regard these men as heroes, they were responsible for mass murders. I think its sad the radical left seems to deify them so much, this obsession with idols is not what I believe in. I am anti-terror, I believe in socialism as a peaceful transition, I see capitalists as victims and most of all humans. Anyone who advocates the slaugter of one secion of society is not my friend. I am also fearful of the almost religous aspect of it and peoples insistence on dominating people's lives.


The book that inspired me most was 'ragged trousered philanthropists', I think it gives the a perfect example of the problems inherent within capitalism.....

ANYWAY

Nice to be here :)

[Dóchas]

i do not regard these men as heroes, they were responsible for mass murders


an advance warning that you have just jumped into a whole lot of shit :lol:

[albionfagan]

I'm fully aware that people here will think me bad for that comment.

I'm prepared to defend myself, I don't think this view prevents me from being a revolutionary :\ and if it does, then I'm happy not be one.

[Dóchas]

just giving you a heads up. good luck with the debates that will ensue!!

[albionfagan]

Cheers :)

[Dóchas]

oh and welcome to revleft hope you find it benficial!! :thumbup:

[Q]

Welcome :)

As a Trotskyist I'd like to introduce you to the shit :lol:


I'd also like to point out I'm of no concrete affiliation, I am certainly on the left but I would not say I'm a marxist. I'm quite liberal too, whilst I take a lot from what Trotsky/Lenin have written i do not regard these men as heroes, they were responsible for mass murders.
If you're pointing out to the civil war from 1918 to 1922, which was not by choice of the Bolsheviks by the way, then I suppose you are correct, civil wars are no pillow fights. But I wouldn't lable that "mass murders" as that would mean a conscious slaughtering of innocent people, which is factually wrong.


I think its sad the radical left seems to deify them so much, this obsession with idols is not what I believe in.
I hear you. Yet I don't think Trotskyists are making Lenin, Trotsky or anyone else an idol. In fact, the whole cult of person around Stalin and other Stalinist leaders has always been highly critisized by Trotskyists.


I am anti-terror, I believe in socialism as a peaceful transition, I see capitalists as victims and most of all humans. Anyone who advocates the slaugter of one secion of society is not my friend.
We are in full agreement :)
However, how do you look towards capitalists that take up arms against workers and start a civil war (which is what happened in Russia)?


I am also fearful of the almost religous aspect of it and peoples insistence on dominating people's lives.
What Trotskyists have you been hanging out with? :lol:

[albionfagan]

Well yes the civil war was the crux but the whole red terror. Many people seem to think that highlighting the White's massacres is justification for the brutal methods used by the Bolsheviks to suppress others.

Lets not forget the thousands of workers who lost their lives under this reign of terror.

I take umbrage at your defintion of mass murder there, the killing were intentional and these people were innocent, unless you think anyone disagreeing with bolsheviks is guilty.

If there is an armed uprising by armed capitalist, I concede there is a need to defend one's self. This justifies defence but NOT terrorising the population. There should be no mass killings of former bourgeois, I strongly oppose any system which condones these methods.

[albionfagan]

Also the civil war was not JUST former capitalists, the civil war was essentially a war to maintain a a one party state.

[BIG BROTHER]

Also the civil war was not JUST former capitalists, the civil war was essentially a war to maintain a a one party state.

omg...not really the 1 party state came about because of the civil war, and it continued due to the rise of stalinism.

anyways if you think all that, but still remain a leftist then welcome.:)