Date: Mon, 20 Nov 1995 14:53:05 +1000
From: g.maclennan-AT-qut.edu.au
Subject: Re: Jerry's Farewell


I have been mulling over a reply to Jerry's criticisms of the list but he 
seems to have headed off before I could get around to it.  Nevertheless I 
do want to record my personal views.  I am frankly a big fan of the 
list.  I think it si potentially the most exciting thing in *political* 
terms that I have seen fvor a long time.

My objections to the list are over some of the flames.  Ralph in 
particular uses language which is grossly offensive to gay people.  I 
have said so personally and publicly to him.  He assures me that he is 
gay friendly off list.  I accept that totally but that does not excuse 
his use of references to gay acts as part of his weaponry of abuse.  But 
he continues to do it and I continue to be offended by it.  I do get 
angry though when some comrades suggest that the solution is for people 
like me to become more thick skinned and for Ralph to continue on his 
merry way. 

Having said all that I strongly support Louis' side in his arguments with 
Jerry.  The latter to me is another mandarin, a brilliant one but a 
mandarin nevertheless.  He judges the quality of the list like the way he 
would grade papers.  Politically that is  counter productive.

Louis has fought hard to prevent the list becoming too academic.  I think 
the recent history of academic Marxism fully justifies his stand.  Jerry 
has accused him of anti-intellectualism.  That is nonsense.  Louis 
as I read him is for theory which leads or is tied to a concept of 
praxis.  That is in the best Marxist tradition.

Now of course people are at liberty to subscribe or unscribe.  However
I do get pissed off when they leave and say they are going because those 
of us who stay are sub standard in some way.  I am tempt4ed in this case 
to be very Irish and very direct but I will refrain and say that I hope 
Jerry enjoys his rest and returns and initiates a trhead on green politics.

Regards

Gary


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