In his comment on the article about Kosova independence, Louis P. basically argues that nationalism of the opressed against capitalist imperialism is good, but isn't worth supporting when directed at post-capitalist governments (my crude and selective summary, not Louis' words). Yes, many oppressed nationalists are reactionary, and are often used as pawns by other reactionaries. So how do you ever hope to appeal to the majority of these populations - tell them to drop their nationalism and become no-name communists? Lenin argued the opposite (including against Rosa Luxemburg and others). He said communists had to champion their demands, practice 'affirmative action' and *prove* good faith by guaranteeing their right to freely leave the socialist federation. Despite their gains within Yuglosvia, my understanding is that the Kosovars still did not achieve nationalist equality, and individually were often second-class citizens. Serb chavinists like Milosovic considered themselves 'first among equals'. There is no way the Kosovars and the other citizens of the old Yugoslavia will ever dump reactionary nationalist leaders and re-federate or cooperate in some other progressive form without crystal-clear assurances of national rights, which include the right to make the occasional 'wrong' decision. Bill Burgess
