Date: Thu, 02 Jan 1997 13:00:56 +0000
From: Joćo Paulo Monteiro <jpmonteiro-AT-mail.telepac.pt>
Subject: Re: M-I: Re: What Will Socialism Look Like


Dear Rob Schaap:

You wrote:
>
> Okay, let's be conscious marxists then.  For this is surely the most
> difficult intellectual challenge we face.  What is it we want?  This
> question becomes all the more salient when you start seeing posts about
> guns and people evincing the desire to use them.
>

I'm not a blood-thirsty monster (like the blond long-haired one you have
there), with 3 shotguns on my closet and a parabellum on hand, always
clean and shining.
Not really. I am a quiet, nice looking, lower middle class young man
with an intellectual appearence. I'm sure you could present me to your
mother. You won't find police posters with my face on them. In fact (I
was trying to delay this confession), I've never put my hands in a gun
before and chances are that I'll end up never doing it in my entire
life.
But, you see, I am a revolutionary. I have not always been one, but I am
now, for quite some time. I know that we will, inevitably, at some
point, face a major turning point in history and we can never break
through if we don't apply our shoulders decidedly on that door. The
bourgeoisie will have to be kicked out to make room for workers' power.
It may be tougher in same places than others, but, generally, believe
me, they're not going to like it. We'll have a revolution.
You have said here that you are a kautskyite (that's not common these
days) and, for now, might be betting on market socialism. Fine. We can
still be friends. But when time comes you will have to face tougher
choices. That's when we'll find out if you're a "conscious marxist" or
not. If, by then, you'll keep on being a reformist you will find
yourself in the other camp. You see, I'm trying to find ways of not
having to shoot you right now.
Of all the sectarian babble that Bedggood and Malecki have pushed
through here about "menshevism", there is only one thing that makes
sense. We're gonna have to jump. Either you're coming or staying. A line
will be drawned and you won't be able to say you can't see it. You don't
have to choose right now. But you will see clearer if are aware that
this is so.


and,

> In short, given that the end of capitalism might entail a protracted
> violent episode - how do we ensure that the militant elite (for wars create
> these without exception) do not become the next ruling class?  Where are
> the 'checks and balances' that'll be so necessary in a time of such
> fundamental transition?
>

Oh, come on now. The question is not if the assault will demand some
militaristic ranking and shouting, but if the forces of production are
mature enough and require a socialised apropriation. That's what has
always missed so far and will shape the future society with an
egalitarian and freedom loving outlook.



Cordial salutes,


Jo=E3o Paulo Monteiro



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