Posted by LD Frantin on January 23, 2008 at 14:01:51:
In Reply to: Re: Lets talk about Economic Democracy. posted by Dave Searles on January 21, 2008 at 06:24:47:
Both Rich R.'s questions & Dave Searles comments invite all of us to keep studying & keep thinking. Dave's clarity is pretty unbeatable tho. With the slanted, half-truth reportage it is indeed nearly impossible, at this time & where we sit, to actually
"know" & give a reasoned answer to R. Raimonde's questions about Chavez, Spain, Italy, etc. But having a sound basis for study & analysis of ANY global issue - such as D.Searles gives- is a solid basis on which to proceed. Worth re-reading!
One of the things I've often found with many'leftists' here & abroad, is how frequently & easily their attention shifts from THIS country's problems & proposed solutions -like our own peaceful change to a true Economic Democracy:Socialism thru organizing & at the ballotbox- shifts to discussions about other countries, other places...of which we really know so little but about which it is so easy to speculate
...resulting in too often a romanticisation of the problems & realities. That's not to say we aren't interested or intrigued about how things are working elsewhere! But in the end, the ultimate focus must return to us, to OUR country,our problems, what WE can do HERE. So, I'd say we have to always keep a watchful eye on anyone in the underdeveloped or emerging nations calling themselves "socialist or economic democracies"..but not expect a true reading especially 'as they are happening'. We may have to just wait & watch. I recall the devastation of much good energy & intelligence in the USA during WWII & the 50's & 60's when Russia (meaning Stalinism) was being defended by well-meaning & bright people, at the very time it was a harsh & oppressive regime that enslaved working people,built up a State-controlled capitalist system, suppressed any attempt to create democratic workplaces or civic institutions,& demanded brutal sacrifices from working people while the Party fat-cats dictated from above. And did it all in the name of "Socialism" or "Communism". Many here & abroad were fooled, and was used by Capitalists to smear the
whole idea of democratic socialism, setting progress back for generations. And because people were so eager to see hope where it did not exist, ninety years later we are STILL LEFT with trying to undo the lies.
So, I personally 'root' for the people of Venezuela & all other nations & hope they keep Chavez et al "in their control" .....be clear on the goals & improve conditions & help each other to seek ways out of the IMF & World Bank traps, etc. But I also accept the frustration of not knowing all that goes on [except anecdotally by way of trips & visits by 'supporters'.] I always hold back judgement & endorsement(as Rich is obviously doing, & Dave Searles suggests)knowing conditions are very tough in any country struggling to deal within a capitalist global hegemony, & tough to see thru the fog of media propaganda. Being your own news analyst tho, based on what Dave suggests, is probably our best tool. And then continue on with reaching OUR own people.