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Scotland, nationalism or socialism?
Bourgeois nationalism and proletarian internationalism are two implacably opposed slogans, corresponding to two great class camps throughout the entire capitalist world and expressing two policies (rather, two world outlooks) on the national question.
The wise words of Vladimir Lenin remain as relevant as ever to the revolutionary class warriors of Today, Lenins outlook was always one of concrete class politics and revolutionary optimism. In particular his writings on the national question should be studied carefully as we look past a newly emerging barrage of flag waving patriots to find a genuine, rational and realistic solution to the question of independence in Scotland.
It is impossible to understand the nature of the national question without first understanding the nature of the class question, the class system and capitalism. To attempt to find a solution to the national question without making a class based analysis, would be the equivalent of trying to climb Ben Nevis without the necessary equipment, clothing and adequate experience. In other words it is impossible, and can only seek to lead us up the blind alley of petit-bourgeois nationalism.
Let me be perfectly clear, I understand the nature of the imperialist British Empire, I understand that its break up is essential to the building of a socialist society in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. But I am a firm believer that any ideas of a two stage process towards an independent capitalist nation, which puts socialism on the agenda later (in other words never) should always be avoided like the plague by socialists in Scotland, or anywhere else for that matter.
We should never be fooled in to thinking that we can find solutions to any problems under capitalism, we should be equally as dismissive when we are told that the dreams of romantic old nationalists can further our cause as workers fighting for class liberation. We must face the problem as it stands, we are socialists struggling for a socialist society, this is the class war, our task is the emancipation of our class and the liquidation of the class system, this struggle is not between English and Scottish, Irish or Welsh, this struggle is not a struggle of nationalities or nations.
There is only one flag that merits our devotion and loyalty, and that flag is neither the Saltire nor is it the Union Jack, the peoples flag, as the old song goes, is deepest red.
Comrades, we must not change its colour now.
John4Leader
Socialist Youth Network Forum
Socialist Youth Network
"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change."
Malcolm X
Great read every thing you right is true and as you will know Glasgow had/has links to Liverpool Manchester ect as we all stuck together through the strikes. But even though my strong nationalist views are wrong I do find these the hardest to let go this may be down to sharing a city with the Old Firm. So I think I will still be singing flower of scotland until we have our own countrey at least.
Socialists aren't the only people who want an independent Scotland. I'm not sure if even the majority of Scots are so concerned. Before socialism was a major force, the only strong reason for a seperate Scotland was the religous divide. Now I believe socialists are using Scotting independence as a means to create a socialist society. The English are no longer oppressing the Scots, or atleast they aren't oppressing them to a greater degree than their own English citizens. By this I mean, the only form of oppression is the common capitalist oppression.
That's a pretty accurate analysis of the situation crazy moderate. Petty nationalism is being used by the SSP, basically as a recuruitment tool to win over leftward leaning SNP supporters. I think that this is a mistake, and that nationalism is devisive. It tries to set Scottish and English working class people against each other, even though they share the same struggle.
In what relations do the Communists stand to the proletarians as a whole? The Communists do not form a separate party opposed to other working class parties. They have no interests separate and apart from those of the proletariat as a whole. They do not set up any sectarian principles of their own, by which to shape and mould the proletarian movement.
-Karl Marx
It is only by strengthening ourselves ideologically, inculcating in ourselves the values and ideals of the struggle and building up the ranks of the revolutionary party that we will make it.
- Ta Power
I agree with CF. The workers of Scotland have more in common with their English counterparts than with their own bourgoisie. We need to stick together, ensuing a more effective revolution when the time comes.
Yes, factions of the SSP seems to have this warped position in believing that there is no Scottish ruling class and that infact the entire ruling class is made up of English people
In what relations do the Communists stand to the proletarians as a whole? The Communists do not form a separate party opposed to other working class parties. They have no interests separate and apart from those of the proletariat as a whole. They do not set up any sectarian principles of their own, by which to shape and mould the proletarian movement.
-Karl Marx
It is only by strengthening ourselves ideologically, inculcating in ourselves the values and ideals of the struggle and building up the ranks of the revolutionary party that we will make it.
- Ta Power
