US capitalism is an extremely censored society. Keep messages to Georgia prisoners and in defense of wikileaks coming.
What was number one on twitter in the US on Friday and number two in the world? Was it the same as the topics selected as their main stories by CNN, CBC, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the Chicago Tribune? Not a chance. It was the speech of US Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont where he opposed the "more goodies for the rich" Obama/Republican tax deal. Bernie Sanders describes himself as a socialist. This was the most popular item on twitter in the US and the second most popular in the world. Thinks about this Sisters and Brothers.
This is very good news. And it is in line with the recent opinion pole which showed that 36% of Americans are favorably inclined to socialism. And this is when no mass force is campaigning for socialism. In fact when all the leading forces in the US trade union movement campaign for capitalism and against socialism and when they do everything they can to drive the pro-socialist and anti capitalist forces out of the union movement. Yet we have these figures for consciousness which show that amongst millions socialism is viewed favorably. It shows what would be possible if the union leaders gave up their pro capitalist stance and gave leadership for a struggle against the corporations, their capitalist system and in favor of democratic socialism.
It also shows what would be possible if the left and radical forces would get over their ultra leftism and left sectarianism. Ultra leftism takes the form of speaking to workers in a language and with ideas and demands which are so far from the existing consciousness of the working class as to seem ridiculous. It means these forces cannot make a connection with the working class and help build and mobilize a wider movement. Left sectarianism includes amongst other things left and radical groups continually looking to pursue their own narrow interests at the expense of the overall interests of the movement. Part of this is the non stop petty conflict between these left and radical groups which repels workers who meet them. Both ultra leftism and left sectarianism are very damaging to the workers movement.
There are thousands and tens of thousands of left and radical individuals, former left and radical individuals, there are thousands of activists in left groups and not in left groups, it is our responsibility to work together around a program which would confront the capitalist offensive, throw this offensive back and open up the road for the working class to move off its present defensive position and move onto an offensive of its own. And to do so by working together in a united front fight to win direct action manner. If this can be done we could begin to develop a base for a new movement.
Please Sisters and Brothers remember to take action in solidarity with the striking prisoners in Georgia and wikileaks. Get and keep those messages of solidarity flying. Maybe put a picket on your nearest capitalist media outlet which is censoring the Georgian prisoners struggle.
Sean.
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