[Marxism] Respect split

[Jscotlive at aol.com]

Lenin's Tomb:
 
You don't recall this at all, since it is false: you invent it.  The  SWP was
involved in the non-payment committees and in organising the  mass
demonstrations, and it isn't hard to find SWP members in the riots  either.

Reply:
 
I'm sorry, but this is revisionism. The SWP at the time did not get  involved 
in the anti-Poll Tax campaign because they did not  believe that struggle 
emanating from local communities had the  potential to provide unified and 
meaningful opposition to Thatcher. They had  turned to industrial work in the wake 
of the Miner's Strike and were focusing on  that. Militant Tendency, in 
conjunction with independent activists, were the  main driving force behind the 
anti-Poll Tax campaign. SWPers may have been  involved in an individual capacity, 
but certainly not as an organised block.  They shed members over this.
 
Again, it is important to understand how this crisis within Respect is  
damaging the SWP. This turn to revolutionary purity is a massive blunder, as it  
will alienate large sections of the class and render the possibility of anyone  
working with the SWP again nil and void. They are in danger of becoming that  
which they have always feared most - a sect - and untouchable to boot. Daphne  
Lawless in her letter is absolutely right, you have to meet the class 
halfway.  The revolution is not around the corner in today's Britain, nor  will it 
begin if only you manage to hand out 20 more leaflets or sell more  newspapers. 
 
This could have serious repercussions for the antiwar movement if it  goes 
on. A split is now inevitable. How it is handled is absolutely crucial  for the 
future prospects of the SWP.