This article is on an important subject, even if its treatment sounds a little juvenile. The overuse of sarcasm compromises a serious treatment. Still, it makes a good case on some level, with a good critique of contemporary leftism. I think it could have been shortened quite a bit and been more effective, as it seems its primary points are made in almost every paragraph. Still, it has weaknesses:
First, I think Strasserism, or the red-brown alliance concept, is not an illusion. To treat DSA types (at the risk of oversimplifying the author's characterization) as simply accusing their rivals of this unfairly is wrong. I have seen a dismissive attitude on the part of those the author criticizes; but rarely does that dip to the point of accusations of sympathy with fascist ideas. I can think of one exception to that who posts regularly on this website, but this is not about personalities. One problem with this article is that we have real examples of Strasserism. I would cite the example of a debate that ensued in the commentary section of Consortium News a couple of years ago and in articles that led to that debate. To enlighten those who don't recall this: A French/American political writer named Diana Johnstone published a series of articles that continued or elaborated upon a theme that has become a signature issue for her, which is to actually take this Strasserist position. Johnstone began her Consortium articles with a broadside attack on Trotskyism, which she declared was "obsessed with revolutionary betrayals everywhere". Unfortunately for her, the reality is that revolutions are betrayed everywhere. Otherwise, how could we explain the fact that many revolutions against capitalism have occurred, and succeeded; but capitalism is still with us? Johnstone went on to attack Counterpunch, the May 1968 attempt at revolution in France, and Antifa. She took particular umbrage at criticism of the red-brown alliance concept on the part of our list moderator. The subject of the criticism, Caitlin Johnstone (no relation) writes regularly for Consortium. Actually, she makes good points; but like all of us occasionally do, made a mistake in calling for alliances with unsavory rightists. For that, Louis took her to task - and in my humble opinion, rightfully so. I still read Caitlin, and enjoy her writing. Louis, too. But not Diana. All this might sound like it's off topic as it's just a tempest in a teapot among left writers. But leading one of Diana Johnstone's articles was a photo of Marine LePen, backed by a phalanx of French flags. Marine is the daughter of Jean-Marie LePen, the founder of the French fascist party, National Front. Marine has softened its image somewhat from Jean-Marie's rough fascist beginnings, disavowing the holocaust denial that was a trademark of the party. But its members still make a sport of gang-beating immigrants. They take an annual pilgrimage to the gravesite of Marshall Petain, the fascist ruler of Vichy France during WW2. Diana Johnstone's articles laud the National Front as the true representative of the French working class, apparently because it takes protectionist trade positions. For her, the old definitions of left and right have become irrelevant. Like the article on Strasserism, which denies it exists, she thinks the real reactionaries are those who defend immigrants and argue for socialism. Johnstone continues in her theme by attacking Antifa in true Trumpian form, along with any manifestation of socialism she can fit into her articles. Obviously, the connection of some of her rants to her central point becomes strained. Again, this could sound like a debate on some academic level if the reaction in Consortium's lively comments section had not ensued. Several names I recognized from the SF bay area left waded in to support Johnstone and attack her critic. Yes, there was only one in that particular debate forum. One, Ann Garrison of Black Agenda Report, had previously conducted a friendly interview with Johnstone in which she articulated her ideas. Garrison reported to me in a private email exchange that she and her colleagues there were in sympathy with Johnstone. So to make the connection: If anyone thinks the notion that a red-brown alliance does not exist or have influence on the left, as the author of the originally cited article does, they are not paying attention. The example of the Johnstone articles, the debates around it, the award for journalism given to Consortium a couple of years ago by the Left Forum in New York City, should make the point. If the point is still missing, consider the orientation of the National Front, its fascist background, and similar currents in Europe. Finally, as if to guild the lily, during my adventures in the Consortium commentary section I came upon a remark regarding all this from a friendly contributor and supporter of Consortium: Tom Metzger. His support of them doesn't mean that they support him; but no commenter, nor the editor, voiced any protest when that popped up. I couldn't protest myself, having been banned for objecting to overtly racist comments. Check out Tom, on Google if you must; he's a piece of work. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group. View/Reply Online (#827): https://groups.io/g/marxmail/message/827 Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/76395312/21656 -=-=- POSTING RULES & NOTES<br />#1 YOU MUST clip all extraneous text when replying to a message.<br />#2 This mail-list, like most, is publicly & permanently archived.<br />#3 Subscribe and post under an alias if #2 is a concern. -=-=- Group Owner: [email protected] Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/marxmail/leave/8674936/1316126222/xyzzy [[email protected]] -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
