From: Paul Gallagher <pcg-AT-panix.com>
Subject: Re: M-I: Re: Feeding the poor
Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 00:09:31 -0400 (EDT)


> What interests me, though, is the question I posed in my original post; the
> value of the poor as a political ally in a well-developed revolutionary
> movement in an advanced nation.  Perhaps your position is closer to that of
> Bob Avakian or MIM; that the "basic people" (lumpen, declassed urban
> dwellers) will pick up the flag of revolution from a demurring working class
> and press forward.  I must confess to not being much addicted to this view,

I don't know what Bob Avakian thinks, I don't think "the poor" equals
"lumpen, declassed urban dwellers," and my intention was not to articulate
a detailed position, but to express disgust that you discuss the "undeserving"
poor in phrases worthy of Murray and Herrnstein. I haven't noticed any
"well-developed revolutionary movement" in our advanced nation, nor have
I noticed the poor undermining it. Often "the poor" and "lumpen, declassed
urban dwellers" are euphemisms for the Black Nation in America, which
does have a high percentage of unemployed and incarcerated people. If that's
what you mean, then, yes, I do think the Black Nation has often taken up the
flag of *democratic* struggle from a demurring working class. But I will
demur from further discussion unless Adolfo offers his judgment, and let 
you have the last word. I respect your opinion in general, and I'm therefore
disturbed when you -- inexplicably -- offer up opinions that could have
been copied word for word from right-wing journals.


Paul




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