Date: Sun, 5 Feb 1995 08:33:32 -0500 (EST)
From: Philip Goldstein <pgold-AT-strauss.udel.edu>
Subject: Re: Red and Green


	I agree with Louis Proyect that the Soviet leadership was 
dictatorial and made numerous errors, though I could not document its 
environmental disasters. I agree with Scott Marshall that the American CP 
drew distinctions between Soviet cultural traditions and American 
traditions. I also agree with Marshall's claim that one need not believe 
and should oppose the claims and views of those who support American 
imperialism, including their blanket condemnation of socialist states. In 
other words, I think that it makes no sense to say that 
one supports socialism but condemns every state that tries to practice 
socialist policies. Still, before Roger Garaudy became a Christian, he 
said that, once there was several socialist states, one was no longer 
obligated to defend the policies of the USSR. The old CP leadership never 
acknowledged this change; they defended the USSR against the other 
socialist states, especially but not exclusively China. In addition, they 
were resolutely anti-intellectual, condemning intellectual critics of the 
USSR and insisting that the workingclass would provide its own 
intellectuals. When the old Soviet leadership wanted to attack its 
dissidents, they would trot out Gus Hall. I think that that is one reason 
why the intellectuals in 
the party finally split with it a few years ago and have formed their own 
organization, though I know there were other reasons as well. 

Philip GOldstein

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