Date: 17 Mar 96 19:51:17 EST
From: Jon Flanders <72763.2240-AT-compuserve.com>
To: <jamiller-AT-igc.apc.org>, <marxism-AT-jefferson.village.virginia.edu>
Subject: racism, buchanan, lenin


 >>  Louis, ever the pessimist, still hasn't commented on
 this because it conflicts with his gloom and doom attitude
 toward the class struggle. <<Jim Miller

 Jon Flanders:

  Oh, oh, now we are getting into the optimist, pessimist, realist debate.
This is an area where we need to proceed with care, without personalizing
things.

  Actually Jim, in comparing your assessment of things and that of Louis,
outside of the vanguardism framework, I haven't seen that much difference. You
both seem pretty careful in your definitions, and avoid making grandiose
predictions.

  I would like to point out though, that there is a history in the SWP, as I
am sure there has been in other groups, of seeing victory around the corner.
Here's a quote from James P. Cannon in 1964, for example.

 "So we have come to the conclusion that time is shorter. When you join the
socialist movement now, you're joining the battle which in your own
lifetime--not that of your grandchildren, but in your own lifetime--and even
before you reach an advanced age, is going to be settled.
 "Speeches to the Party, Pathfinder Press

  Hmm, smacks a bit of telescoping time, to me. I don't think people should
join socialist organizations based on a criteria like this. We have no idea
how long things are going to take. We can see today class questions beginning
to be hightlighted. Would I want to make Cannon's statement right now? Would
you?

 We have to have a longer view. We each have a grain of sand to pile on the
working class side of the equation. That should be enough satisfaction for
anyone.

 Best, Jon Flanders

  E-mail from: Jonathan E. Flanders, 17-Mar-1996




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