[R-G] Re: Observation on demo weekend

[Barry Stoller]

Norma: But let's remember always that religionism is not a solution. 
...nor of course, is nationalism. The declarations that Islam is not
oppressive and exclusive are as deceptive as that any of the others are
not. The proposed Palestinian constitution is based on Islamic law. All
religions are fundamentalist. The only worthwhile
fundamentalism/religion is Marxism/communism/socialism/anarchism - our
religion... the religion of all of us running all of life for all our
benefit including Earth; no hierarchy, no sin, no punishment, no denial
of comfort and ease and pleasure to all of us.

Under imperialism (more to the point: colonialism) the class struggle
principally manifests itself as a national (anti-colonial) struggle. I
would cite, of course, Cuba as an especially salient example. (See also
Lenin's self-determination of nations thesis.) We must keep in mind the
difference between the retrograde nationalisms of the developed nations
and the progressive character nationalisms play for the underdeveloped
nations still suffering colonial subjugation. I would take care in
saying something like 'Marxism is our religion' when approaching Islamic
resistance movements, especially the Palestinian struggle. It's utopian,
it's patronizing. Their struggle exists in the here and now. The
Palestinians need national self-determination before they can take on
proletarian revolution. There's not even many proletarians there right
now. Let us remember that the most tenacious fighters in Palestine right
now are groups like Hamas, etc. Their struggle comes first, we can
either support them where we can help, or we can simply recite a million
pamphlets they've already heard. 


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Barry Stoller
http://www.utopia2000.org