Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 19:31:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: "James F. Miller" <jamiller-AT-igc.apc.org>
Subject: "Rich in potential"


   Doug says:

>What this list should be about is the application of Marxist modes of
>thought and politics to present-day reality. That would require an honest
>appraisal of the political situation (grim in actuality, rich in
>potential)...

   So now Doug thinks the political situation is "rich in potential."
This is good. I wasn't aware of that before. Judging by his other
posts I had drawn the conclusion that he thought the political
situation was "poor in potential."
   Now if Doug would take the next step and explain why he
believes that the political situation is "rich in potential,"
maybe we could have a better discussion about what this
potential really is.

   A bit later, Doug says:

>Repeating mantras won't do it. Blaming "Stalinist" and other "betrayers"
>won't do it (for one, it dodges all responsibility for defining and
>explaining "Stalinism" and "betrayal" themselves). Stop kvetching about my
>"level of discourse" and start thinking.

   Why does Doug put the word "Stalinist" in quotes? Is there no
such thing as Stalinism? If so, please explain. Why does Doug
put the word "betrayal" in quotes? Does he believe that there
was no revolution to be betrayed? Or, if he believes there was
a revolution, does he doubt that Stalin betrayed it?
   Doug seems to take the position that the history of the
Russian revolution is "off limits" for discussion among
non-pathognomic leftists.
   I have long believed that it's impossible to understand
anything about the evolution of politics in the 20th century
without understanding the nature and role of Stalinism.
   Wouldn't it be better for everyone if Doug were to
calmly and rationally (and undoubtedly, briefly) give his
opinions on the Russian revolution, Stalinism and
Trotskyism? Then we might be able to have a discussion.
   Doug has many times pointed to the zombie-like behavior
of some leftists who babble ceaselelessly about frozen
dogmas. But this should not be used as an excuse for denying
the importance of the Russian revolution, or neglecting
to say anything about it.

Jim Miller
Seattle
jamiller-AT-igc.apc.org


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