Date: Sat, 8 Apr 1995 21:48:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kenny Mostern <kennym-AT-uclink2.berkeley.edu>
Subject: Re: Racism/nationalism


Alex, 

There's nothing particularly novel about the idea that serious freedom 
fighters may become serious tyrants. 

The question, from my point of view, is:  is national and anti-colonial 
struggle, at certain determinate moments of history, a necessary 
prerequisite to internationalist socialism?  And, further, what is the 
responsibility of the internationalist socialist from the imperialist 
country or part of the world toward the (however inadequate, but 
nonetheless factual) nationalist movement.

And, by the way, the lovely old left distinction between "advocating 
nationalism" and "advocating the right to self-determination" is one 
which has covered innumerable sins.  If someone has the right to 
self-determination, you don't turn around and tell her, when she seeks 
it, oh, but I don't support you.

Kenny Mostern
UC-Berkeley Ethnic Studies Graduate Group

Against:  racism, sexism, homophobia, capitalism, militarism
For:  the truth--and the funk!



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