SocialistPunk
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JDW,I said a hostile dictatorship could easily shut down, ie destroy the SPGB, while a hostile democracy could easily cripple it.Illegality is irrelevant.Regarding democracy, socialism and democracy go hand in hand. You don't get one without the other. So it could be said that real democracy, the sort the SPGB/WSM advocate, is an end in itself.If this government tried to use such legislation to hammer revolutionary organisations, would the SPGB stand on the sidelines waiting its turn, or stand with other revolutionary groups to resist? After all, there are those on the "left" who agree with the goal of the SPGB/WSM, but disagree with how to achieve it.
jondwhite wrote:The SPGB would carry on propaganda as usual come rain or shine, democracy or dictatorship.A strange and rather naive thing to say JDW.At last count the SPGB had under 500 members. It's probably fair to say that propaganda activity comes from less than 50% of the membership. Combine those with the SPGB policy of democratic transparency, and it wouldn't take much for a hostile dictatorship to shut down the SPGB entirely. An example from history. During the reign of the Nazi's in Germany, of 32,000 death sentences ordered for political reasons, 20,000 went to communists and socialists.I've also no doubt a hostile "democracy" could find ways legal and illegal, to severely cripple the SPGB and any other political organization it so chose.
I'm curious.Russel Brand gave his support to the Focus E15 women in their bid to save a doomed council estate in Stratford, London. Does the SPGB membership consider such action, by the people of Focus E15, an act of futile reformism? Or the sort of direct participatory, democratic action that is essential to build a socialist society?
gnome wrote:Another 'celebrity' to look up to and pin our hopes on? Singer Charlotte Church at a rally in Cardiff, protesting against austerity cuts…It never ceases to amaze me how some forum members completely disregard everything that has been discussed on this thread. It's not about Brand, it never was. It's about connecting with the people who he may have switched on to the idea of revolutionary political thought and action. It's not as if, anyone is suggesting members of the SPGB stalk Brand, or any other so called celebrities, in the hope he/they might give the SPGB a mention etc.How difficult is it to use modern communication methods to desseminate the idea of socialism to as wide an audience as possible. It's a damn sight easier than trudging around streets posting leaflets, standing on street stalls, organising meetings, debates, (seeing piss poor turnouts) and other old school SPGB activities.
Are you are refering to the edit function, Vin?I was under the impression, via past experience, that once someone posts after your post, the ability to edit is gone?
There are four posts with either exclamation marks or full stops, but no words. Would anyone be able to explain what that means?
Vin wrote:SocialistPunk wrote:1) The Party name needs nailing down once and for all.2) The issue of technology and its use in future communication/promotion strategies.3) The hostility, inflexibility, aloofness and cynicism that could be handicapping the SPGB/WSM. Another possible one, that is linked to point number two. 4) A generalised election strategy/approach that can be adapted as required.I would add:5) What should our key message be?as I wholeheartedly disagree with the conference resolution on the matter
Was wondering what you mean by number five? What resolution?
I agree with you Alan, that the dissection should be put on hold, though I see no reason why possible points of discussion can't be listed.As an ex SPGB member (aiming to rejoin in the not too distant future) I have a several areas for possible discussion to propose. Without going into detail.1) The Party name needs nailing down once and for all.2) The issue of technology and its use in future communication/promotion strategies.3) The hostility, inflexibility, aloofness and cynicism that could be handicapping the SPGB/WSM. Another possible one, that is linked to point number two. 4) A generalised election strategy/approach that can be adapted as required.
Hilarious isn't it Vin.The haters pop up with the "Told you he wasn't a socialist", "We said he was just another leftie", drone.As far as I'm concerned the Brand thing reminds me of my experience of punk rock when I was a teenager in the 1980's. By then it was old hat, no longer fashionable. For me the anger of punk resonated within me, sure it was mindless unidirectional energy for the most, but it stirred something in a generation or two that was there to be tapped into. As I've said before he's creating fertile ground. The job of the SPGB/WSM is to take advantage of that and plant as many socialist seeds as possible.There appears to be a morbid cynicism within the SPGB. It's almost as if the frustrating fight for socialism ends up directed at people, simply because they haven't or can't go the extra mile.
It is a fair comment, unfortunately.I've heard it said by one or two members over the years, (going back to before I was a member in the late nineties early 2000's) that the SPGB is slow to grasp new communication technology.When it comes to online communication like Twitter and Facebook, the saying "speculate to accumulate" couldn't be more apt.
Nothing wrong in discussing how to use a new form of communication to spread the socialist message. This is a general discussion about the SPGB use of Twitter and how it should be used to gain the most exposure. I don't think it's about providing a list of groups or individuals to follow.
Twitter is a relatively recent mode of communication. To get the most out of it, it must be used in a specific way. If it's used sparingly, it's obvious the Party exposure will be small.
Thanks YMS,I think the last link you posted to the William Morris and E. Belfort series "Socialism From The Root Up" seems more gentle on the grey matter, so I'll start there.If anyone has any thoughts on this huge subject, it'd be good to get some discussions going.This really belongs in General Discussion but I made an error of judgement when posting it up. Thanks Mod1
jondwhite wrote:Perhaps you're subconsciously thinking of the work titled exactly that by GDH Cole?https://libcom.org/history/history-socialist-thought-gdh-coleThanks everyone but I think special thanks could be going to JDW,What I was looking for is something that traces the pre socialist origins, through to the early 20th century. The first book in the series, Socialist Thought: The Forerunners, by title alone would appear to be what I was after.I want to get to grips with the evolution of socialism. I think it could be helpful when discussing with people how our idea of socialism came into being.The big questions though, are they any good? Are they worth the effort of wading through and will I find what I want?
