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From the Socialist Resistance article There was always, however, another side to this that the ultra lefts failed to recognise. This is that even after Syriza had dropped some of its pledges—and it did implement some important promises of course—what was left, which was Syriza’s core position, and what defines it as an anti-austerity party – no further austerity, remained totally unacceptable to the EU elites. In fact it has always had transitional implications. The outcome of this remarkable confrontation therefore will define the future not only of the people of Greece but also the future of all those across Europe who struggle against austerity and for more democracy and equality. From this point of view the European left has now, more than at any time during this crisis, a responsibility to build solidarity with the struggle of Syriza and the Greece working class. I agree totally with this as I am sure most on the list do too. It is why I am so taken up with the crisis there. But it is terribly difficult to work out what is happening from this distance. Frustratingly, Richard Seymour's blog is silent, and I have come to rely on him so much. Especially, as the filters on the main stream media reporting are outrageous. This morning for instance the ABC talked of Greece 'reneging'. As I went to bed last night the Guardian online had Tsirpas capitulating. This morning this is not so clear, it would seem. There are moves under way to prevent the referendum, which must mean that the ruling class fear the result. Though seemingly the Yes vote is pulling ahead in the polls. But that I do not believe. Miscalculations seem to be playing a role on all sides. I suppose this is the intrinsic messiness of actual politics in actual time. Merkel's statements seem to be taking on a *Deutschland uber alles* flavour. That must be in response to criticism of her role. The execrable leader of the Social Democrats (What a party!) Sigmar Gabriel appears to be trying to emerge as the champion of the German working class saying they are paying the price for Greece's ultra rich not paying tax. Is he worried about pan-European working class solidarity?. There is a serious point in all this coming and going. A victory over Tsirpas and the Greek people will do a lot to discredit the EU project. The current ruthless take no prisoners approach may frighten and intimidate but it does not build hegemony. Austerity and neolberalism have been named and to be named is always the first necessary (but insufficient step to undermining hegemonic dominance. All in all the chaos would appear to have a dynamic of its own. No one can predict what will happen. For me though I do wish that Tsirpas would stop flopping about as he appears to be doing. If he is demoralizing me, and he is at times, he must also be doing that to his own supporters. _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
