[Marxism] The DSP's fresh approach to applying democratic centralism

[Alan Bradley]

From: "Tom O'Lincoln" 
> I can also see it might look like point scoring,
> but that is certainly not intended. Jeff is right
> that the DSP is the biggest left group, and its 
> apparent decline is a problem for everyone - which
> is why we ought to discuss the documents, and not
> just focus on one sentence in my earlier post.

The degree of polarisation in the DSP debate actually
made it rather difficult to achieve an objective
analysis of the situation. Basically, the minority
were trying to "prove" everything was doom, gloom and
disaster, while the majority was trying to "prove"
that this was not the case.

As a result, both positions contain exaggerations. It
doesn't really matter in the case of the minority
view, since it will be voted down, but is a potential
problem in the majority case.

Having said that, the majority platform has been toned
down since earlier drafts, and it's quite likely to be
further shifted in the direction of reality at the
Congress. That is, of course, unless everyone gets
distracted by the factional bunfight.

Frankly, if I had drafted the majority document, I
would have been much more cautious.

On the other hand, the minority position is entirely
worthless when it comes down to its practical
conclusions. That's why I sided with the majority,
despite the flaws in its argument.

And yes, the DSP is going to be struggling for a
while. Hopefully everybody understands that.

Alan Bradley


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