Post AiOFgTTGjfdybtCbEO by Glamazon@cyberpunk.lol
(DIR) More posts by Glamazon@cyberpunk.lol
(DIR) Post #AiM8hi2ixIFI69VYq8 by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-28T16:45:35Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
The crisis of capitalism is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, and with it a global acceleration of the class struggle. We urgently need to build the organization that will lead the struggle to overthrow capitalism. That is why we are launching the Revolutionary Communist International, and we need YOU to help us build it!https://youtu.be/s1JDvmoRMgcSign up now to watch the founding conference!https://schoolofcommunism.com/#communism #RCI #climatecatastrophe #genocide #inflation #imperialism
(DIR) Post #AiNs1JTmgKq4npqa48 by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T12:58:42Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@elmussol @reallenin As I delved deeper into communist theory, I've come to understand the necessity of a transitional state to pave the way towards communism. While my previous identification as a Libertarian Socialist held merit, the complexities of socio-economic transformation demand a more nuanced approach, which is why I'm leaning more towards something like Marxist Federalism.
(DIR) Post #AiNtNSPEH22soSq6lc by elmussol@streams.elsmussols.net
2024-05-29T13:06:27Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
So I'm not looking for an ideological debate -- my political past development involves Trotskyism (and some of my best comrades are anti-authoritarian Marxists). My gripe is your scattergun approach to the resharing -- it feels like being shouted at.
(DIR) Post #AiNtNTaxqt1iV9KzhI by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T13:13:59Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@elmussol I suppose I shared this posts so many times because I find that the Trotskyist perspectives offer valuable insights into tactics and historical analyses that can enrich people's understanding of class struggle and revolutionary praxis.
(DIR) Post #AiO668ROY677NDvHt2 by Rob600@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T15:36:35Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @elmussol Marxist federalism, something for me to learn about today.
(DIR) Post #AiOEiSXB5eokKTPgDg by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:13:09Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin I don't find it to be true that all people and structures are inherently inclined to retain power once acquired. I can see this as having a systemic cause, but not as an inherent thing. I think an authority structure with democratic institutions to ensure that the people's interests are being served could work as a transitional state.
(DIR) Post #AiOFgTTGjfdybtCbEO by Glamazon@cyberpunk.lol
2024-05-29T17:23:58Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin How prevalent is sociopathy, psychopathy and narcissism in the general population? Even if these traits can be mitigated, they likely cannot be eliminated completely so there will always be some who want to exploit a given system for power-over instead of power-with and society must be structured to prevent the aggregation of coercive power by anyone over anyone.
(DIR) Post #AiOFhmDSWm7t2JQcKm by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T17:24:13Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin these places attract people who want more power and the possibility to rule over other people gives you the illusion that you know what's best for them, even when they don't think so. If you want to be in power you have do be Machiavellian, rather than ethical.
(DIR) Post #AiOGeXmVq3lxLyqYFM by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:34:53Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Glamazon @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin I agree. That's why I think that with any power structure, there needs to be safeguards in place within the structure to prevent people from abusing authority in unfavorable ways.
(DIR) Post #AiOGzE8864o2UGouvY by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:38:37Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin I don't see that as being logically true, that a person can not be both in power and ethical simultaneously. I don't see how ethical behavior is inherently incompatible with holding authority.
(DIR) Post #AiOH6wKk9EunboOjx2 by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:39:58Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@mstrmustache @Glamazon @elmussol @reallenin No, I can't. Can you give me a reason as to why it's impossible, because so far I've yet to find one.
(DIR) Post #AiOHUM8uMACWJa1n5k by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T17:44:14Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin It is, because it requires to take unethical decisions, the first one of them is to rule over other people. You can either want direct democracy or you want to rule over people. You can't have both. Not to mention that if you try to do it ethically, the other competitors who are Machiavellian will have an advantage and you will eventually lose.
(DIR) Post #AiOHhc0qfCAjIcZxeS by Rob600@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:46:33Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin To me it sounded like that was the point they were making, or atleast part of it.If someone is in power, and they feel as if they know what's best for others even if others don't agree. They were saying those places attract people who want more power and the possibility to rule over others, while giving the ruler the illusion they know what's best for people.What one ruler might consider ethical, the majority might disagree with
(DIR) Post #AiOHtqU8gHzZey73Xk by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:48:48Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@mstrmustache @Glamazon @elmussol @reallenin The absence of evidence for a positive outcome doesn't mean that negative outcomes are inevitable. Also, just because something has happened repeatedly in the past (i.e., negative outcomes when humans have power and authority over others at a distance), doesn't mean it will continue to happen in the future. Induction doesn't guarantee future outcomes because circumstances can change.
(DIR) Post #AiOILlxl5XDNk6HeXA by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T17:53:54Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin When thinking on transitional states between capitalism and communism, the thought on my mind isn't whether the state itself is ethical but whether it is a necessary step in achieving communism.
(DIR) Post #AiOIgAD2eMUEjX9hqK by Glamazon@cyberpunk.lol
2024-05-29T17:56:34Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin And we (humans) are the best agents in the world for changing the circumstances to suit us, but it requires the social will to do so. I'd rather work towards a future of collective care than personal greed.
(DIR) Post #AiOIvg9QArC68srOl6 by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T18:00:17Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin the issue is can you do something by doing the opposite, because that can be formulated in a same way. I don't agree with the "our goal justifies all means, no matter what" mentality, because that never works.
(DIR) Post #AiOKh0tWy1Rk2gYveS by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T18:20:04Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin My position is not "my goal justifies all means", it's "the goal of achieving communism justifies the existence of a transitional state because I see no other way to protect the revolution."
(DIR) Post #AiOKklHIyGJWlbTBuy by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T18:20:48Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin What's the difference?
(DIR) Post #AiOKvJpzKoeWqYj7mC by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T18:22:42Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin The difference is that you strawman'd my position to make it seem as if I believe in justifying anything to achieve my goal, which isn't true and makes my position appear worse than it actually is.
(DIR) Post #AiOL76TErHnorghmIy by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T18:24:50Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin That does not answer my question nor proves me wrong.
(DIR) Post #AiOLgsvGhs7XGusTvk by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T18:31:19Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin Yes, it does prove you wrong. You implied that I have a mentality of justifying anything to achieve my goals, which isn't true.
(DIR) Post #AiOLy5tNjtbWQ3CXcu by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T18:34:25Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@mstrmustache @nlupo @elmussol @reallenin I used to consider viewing authoritarian structures as a solution as a problem, but after further research into both arguments for and against the use of transitional states, I no longer see it as a problem.
(DIR) Post #AiOLyZgexlFkpHTnxg by janet_catcus@hachyderm.io
2024-05-29T18:34:30Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @Glamazon @elmussol @reallenin perhaps i can give you something better: there have been societies among humans that had their chiefs be a ridiculed position, so any one chief would hold the seat only when absolutely necessary...if pressed, i think i know in which book to look for details. my point is: it is possible. lust for power is not an inherently human trait and there have been societies based around the idea that those in power are to be ridiculed... 1/2
(DIR) Post #AiOM3QySmhLLFf7m08 by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T18:35:22Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin I am not accusing you of anything, I'm just saying that you can't fight the state with more state nor you can fight hierarchies by getting on the top of it. The current system is bad not because the people on top are bad, because that can be easily solved, but because how the society is organized.
(DIR) Post #AiOOWCgDD2qBDzQwb2 by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T19:03:00Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin I still believe in state abolition. The only thing that's changed in my thinking is how I believe the state should be abolished. I no longer believe that it would be practical to immediately abolish the state because that would put society in too vulnerable a position. I didn't switch to this way of thinking overnight. I've been thinking about this for months and tried to reconcile these thoughts with my Libertarian Communist position, but I couldn't.
(DIR) Post #AiOP21TgOU8lkTkIUK by nlupo@xno.social
2024-05-29T19:08:40Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin I don't believe that you can just remove the state either, but I don't believe I (or anyone else) should become the state ruler. People still need safety and their basic needs fulfiled.
(DIR) Post #AiOPzjZ07y3fZ0hokC by Radical_EgoCom@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T19:19:33Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@nlupo @mstrmustache @elmussol @reallenin In reference to a transitional state, I reject the notion of people ruling over others. I think that the transitional state should have democratic structures that allow decision-making power to be distributed among communities, allowing everyone to have a voice in governance and to prevent a singular authority from taking control. This is what was severely lacking in previous transitional states, which I believe is why they failed.
(DIR) Post #AiOWdn5b2OiBo5R4rY by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T20:30:33Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
@Rob600 @nlupo @Radical_EgoCom @mstrmustache @elmussol 1/6 A couple points here: First, Lenin defines the state in 'State and Revolution' by first clarifying the nature and role of the state, which is to counteract the class contradictions in society. The role of a capitalist state is therefore to suppress the interests of the working class in the interests of the capitalist class
(DIR) Post #AiOWe4h5aFnsPI6lA8 by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T20:31:49Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
2/6 and the role of a socialist state would be to suppress the interests of the capitalist class (petty bourgeoisie) in the interests of the proletariat.Second, the fundamental disagreement that marxists have with anarchism is the assumption that classes can be abolished overnight. You can expropriate the banks and the corporations, and democratize the workplace, but you can't expropriate the small landowner or the small business owner.
(DIR) Post #AiOWeDPLBbxDQqsDFQ by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T20:32:15Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
3/5 Aside from foreign imperialist intervention, the petty bourgeoisie is therefore the main barrier that prevents a classless society from existing from the start. Furthermore, the petty bourgeoisie cannot be eliminated overnight, this was a key lesson of Stalin and Mao's forced collectivization of land.
(DIR) Post #AiOWeLFi1J0FlIQdLU by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T20:33:00Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
4/6 From Trotsky's 'Transitional Program', "In order to rehabilitate the program of socialism in the eyes of the farmer, it is necessary to expose mercilessly the Stalinist methods of collectivization, which are dictated not by the interests of the farmers or workers but by the interests of the bureaucracy."
(DIR) Post #AiOWealSLYJJs6OhPc by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T20:33:22Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
5/6 Finally, to be a marxist is to be a materialist, and this means to reject the idea that there is such a thing as a definite human nature in the first place. So to say that humans have a natural tendency to take advantage of others makes no sense from a marxist perspective. This tendency is something that would dissolve without the pressures of capitalism. Furthermore, you would have to ask the same question about a stateless society.
(DIR) Post #AiOWet7O6kY6nKnT60 by reallenin@mastodon.social
2024-05-29T20:33:40Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
6/6 A communist society can therefore only occur when classes have disappeared, in which case the state is no longer necessary.Last but not least, it shouldn't matter whether or not an individual or organization is 'Trotskyist' or not. You can disagree with an idea, but what ultimately matters is capacity for the methods and ideas to collectively organize and win people over to a coherent goal.