Gilles d'Aymery wrote:
Actually, to date, Lou has contributed 57 (not 47) essays, film and book
reviews to Swans. For the record, he is the easiest author to edit, as 1) his
pieces are time and again impeccably written (with the occasional typos, of
which we are all guilty), and 2) when a phrase makes little sense to this
editor, or a fact need be double-checked, Lou comes back in a hurry --
sentence rephrased, fact rechecked...
The morning after publication, if a little boo boo remains, it is immediately
corrected. Perfection cannot be reached, but we can strive for it, can we
not?
Beside the relationship between an editor/publisher and an author, however,
there is a deeper bond that keeps the relationship going. It's the notion (or
concept?) of solidarity.
Yes, Swans is not an "aggregator" like MRZine, Counterpunch, and Znet -- and
I will refrain from commenting on whether "they certainly have their place"
(I've learned over the years, to my chagrin, about the competition and the
absence of political synergy among self-defined left outputs). Swans is
original all in and all out. It is not a scholarly journal (for those so
inclined Monthly Review is a grand example and a regular destination of
mine). It is not ideology driven for chapels are not our places of worship.
But solidarity it is about.
Solidarity about the collective wisdom (and, often enough, the misdirected
ignorance...) all of us call for -- the better good of the whole and not the
privileges of the few. Solidarity about the cohesiveness of all lives -- not
just the human ones. Solidarity with the old French revolutionary motto:
"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" ... and justice for all. Solidarity is about
you and me. It's about throwing away the shackles that keep us alienated from
each other in the name of purity and exceptionalism, and bring together that
which make us who we are, the vehicle for the envisioned change that our fore
parents fought and died for. It's a vision not to be abandoned.
And solidarity is what has kept Lou and me together, whatever the agreements
and disagreements. (It surely helps that there is deep respect between the
author and the editor!)
So solidarity, I ask you all: Help us financially if you can and please
contribute your written work. Both your money and your words will go a long
way keeping Swans going.
(Many thanks, Lou, for your fund raising appeal on Swans behalf.)
Cordially and comradely,
SOLIDARITY!
Gilles d'Aymery
Swans Commentary
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