Posted by LDF on January 01, 2009 at 13:01:45:
In Reply to: Re: SIU to TOTALLY supplant state? posted by David Searles on January 01, 2009 at 07:18:21:
The idea you propose is I think a very good one. It is an interim step that,if passed, would legalize & institutionalize cooperative, democratic ownership and would allow for a new system to be inacted. What I like about it is its form and its implications.
#1 presents the idea of change and transformation to a new society/new system in a rational & peaceful way. A political campaign & The Ballot would theoretically accomplish the same thing BUT.....
#2 this tactic can be pursued without the need for national ballot access, organizing, campaigning, media coverage, trying to 'access' the 2-party duoploist
monopoly. But it also doesn't preclude any or all of that, which I still see as important.
Our graphic model, while you dismiss it, is simply a way to present an idea such as the amendment calls for. The problem that we all face is the difficulty that new audiences have in believing in the practical workings of a democratic system based on cooperation (as if there is any other way that democracy can exist!) Our model is an attempt to show that a real democracy is not out of reach but is actually
practiced in SOME ways by us, every day. [We do the work of it, we just don't have the 'power' of it.] Much like your amendment idea, the model shows how close we are and how we could simply 'alter' the institutions to fit a better, more efficient & rational & humane purpose! Cooperative and social ownership & management based on 'grassroots' democracy
both where we live and where we work feels as natural to most of us as breathing. But when we get to visualizing how it could work, it gets tougher. Models can help.
We also must acknowledge how far most people are from understanding who has the real control of our society but who has the tangible and potential power...We the people... because of an economic 'agreement' -the capitalist system- that prevents us from not only solving problems but prevents us from creating the healthy and peaceful world that is within our grasp because the real decision-making is done to benefit
others, not we who do the work.
This present 'bargain-with-the-devil' is cloaked and made to seem 'sacrosanct' as a 'political democracy' when the political machinary really only represents capitalist class interests. It doesn't mean that
'politics' in the original sense ...'poli' the people...or 'governmentt' or 'administration' is alien or antaganistic to good & meaningful governance.
Capitalism screws it up, but we can make it work ONCE WE HAVE A NEW STRUCTURE THAT WORKS FOR THE PEOPLE not profit. Getting that simple message out seems to me our most important & unique work.
It is for us to show that another economic system- cooperatively owned & run but without the private capital, the exploitation and deceit, the meanness, senseless harm & criminality that comes of a profit-driven one- is not only desirable and possible, but is also within our grasp. Your amendment, with good visual models and good information to back up questions people might have to the concept, could serve to point that out.
What I really like about your "amendment' idea is that it can present all these arguments IN A FRESH WAY. Which is all we are attempting to do with our visuals
and our website. To show we can 'bridge the gap' from what we have now, to what we can have.
What we face as democratic socialists (or whatever we call ourselves) is the myopic tendency of nearly EVERYONE to understand we can have a better, healthy & sane world ...now dominated by a tragically flawed, decayed and diseased set of beliefs and institutions. Yet, incorporating aspects of our present structures into our dialogue can help; showing the link between 'present and future' is a tactic not often confronted by 'the left'. But it must be.
In our desire to avoid the pitfalls of 'reform' that have diluted and confused real desire for real change, we should not avoid the opportunity to show steps that are still politically available to us! Voting and political organization is still an option! Based on a clear platform and easy to understand & visualize steps and goals, we can show the links to the future without 'abadoning or diluting' that new society.
We do need to be candid about the 'conservative nature of societies', not 'judgemental', doctrinaire or rigid. Societies change most peaceably when a better way seems possible. We can present that option. Presently, the lack of recognition that The People/ The Working Class have the power to enact change has become so institutionalized and internalized, it seems impossible, 'pie-in-the-sky', a fantasy. But myopia can be creatively challenged by us, by ideas and respectful dialogue. Our model, concepts, our forum, this amendment proposal are all tools that can show that change is not only possible but grows directly out of our common, everyday experience.
I think one of the things that makes PFANS so unique is that we do, in fact, acknowledge the need to connect our real world experiences to our desire for fundamental change as well as our equally compelling human need for continuity and a believable, practical model. For a peaceful transformation of society it may be that we vote for change 'one representative at a time' and yet fully aware of the goal to rid ourselves of institutions, laws and frameworks that keep us bound to economic and social slavery. Evolution may take years, or minutes. All that we do know is that change will only come from the vision, the help, the support and the efforts of many if not all.
So, your amendment idea has great merit and seems to me to be in line with what we feel is the best way to present democratic socialism today. That means, of course, education and organization is still needed to build a united voice which is why we maintain our focus in this Forum on analysis, dialogue, respectful and friendly discourse. As I see it, all of our tactics are positive if they help to build a class-conscious movement whose long and short term goals are a new, real democracy- cooperation and participation where we live and where we work. Tactics that help in that goal should naturally be discussed and tried out.
The amendment idea has a lot of possibilities and gives a 'definite rallying point' to gather (locally, state-wide, nationally, over time & in various ways) signatures that represent a real, tangible and understandable goal. It can be done 'unilaterally' but also thru cooperation with others whenever possible. Now more accustomed to 'petitions' and 'calls for amendments', it is a legitimate form of reaching the public: non-threatening, peaceful and politically viable. What are your further thoughts? Plans?
As a footnote and as a member of the Editorial Committee, I would just like to add this note:
Within our Forum readership, by respectfully acknowledging any contributor's proposal or tactic to help our goal of 'the full emancipation of man and womankind' and building a socio-economic framework based on that goal- we are stronger when we stand respectful, open, and united.
So, definitely lets hear more from everyone. In this Forum, we can discuss the amendment idea as well as governmental concepts, individual freedom & choices, small vs large-scale production, green technology, etc. further. It would, however, be to everyone's advantage if we can react to proposals & discussions in a positive manner without dismissing other's contributions towards what is, as the writer here basically acknowledged, our common goal and leave the begrudging nature of much on 'the left' to others.
To help develop the 'next stage of democratic socialist thinking' we need to stand together. Our work is too important for less.