[Marxism] Revolution and Religious Fundamentalism

[S. Artesian]

 No matter what is in the Hamas documents, support for the people of 
Palestine-- and a united military defense of all within Gaza-- and 
unqualified support for such a defense outside Gaza--  against the Israeli 
assault is the primary obligation.

I have never disputed that.  Stiofan has never disputed that.  Eric, who 
touched this soggy powder keg off by expressing his disaffection with 
nationalism did not dispute that.  So let's put all the straw men to bed and 
wish them good night.

Does solidarity mean silence, obedience, on the part of Marxists and Marxist 
groups?  Now it certainly does mean "timing."  It is just stupid, and 
anti-Marxist, to show up at a demonstration against the Israeli assault with 
a banner stating "Down With Arab Nationalism."  Actually, I think it's 
stupid to show up at any time, ALMOST, with such a banner given the 
conditions of the struggle.  It was stupid before December 28; it was stupid 
before November 5.  It is not stupid, however, to review the history, the 
process of that nationalism and see if such nationalism can actually 
accomplish, or even exist as a transition, to a struggle that defeats 
Zionism and emancipates Palestine and the Palestinian people.

Given that we all have participated in demonstrations against the Israeli 
assault; have written against it, etc. is it anti-Marxist to maintain, if 
not a functional independence since none of us in this discussion have 
direct participation inside Gaza, at least an analytic independence [when we 
are resting in our armchairs at our keyboards between demonstrations]?

Now I don't think so.  And I think the legacy of failed revolutions proves 
that giving up that independence only hastens that defeat.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Shawn Redden" <wsredden at gmail.com>
To: <sartesian at earthlink.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2009 5:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Marxism] Revolution and Religious Fundamentalism