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Huge Marxist Meeting in Montreal a Sign of the Times!
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Samantha Jo Ilacqua and Rob Lyon, Events, 22 February 2017
International Marxist Tendency Canada
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The seventh annual Montreal Marxist Winter School, held this past
weekend (February 18-19), was a resounding success! Attendance at this
year’s school was almost double that of last year, with some 200 people
from countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom,
France and Mexico attending and participating. In fact, this was one of
the largest revolutionary Marxist meetings held in Canada for many, many
years.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution and to
mark the event this years’ school was dedicated to the subject of the
Russian Revolution. Before the first session even started on Saturday
morning, there was a palpable mood of excitement and anticipation
amongst participants as the opening remarks and international greetings
were delivered to start the weekend.
The Lessons of October
Alan Woods, editor of the In Defence of Marxism website, gave the first
presentation of the school on the lessons of the Russian Revolution.
Alan explained that from the point of view of Marxism, the Russian
Revolution was the greatest event in history. As the first successful
socialist revolution, it was the first time in history that the working
class, the poor and the oppressed took up arms, fought back against
their oppressors, took power and won.
The victory of the working class in the October Revolution is something
that the bourgeoisie can never forgive, and this explains the torrent of
lies and hatred they unload on the actual history of the Revolution and
the Bolshevik party. In this regard, Alan explained that the volume of
water flowing over Niagara Falls could not possibly match the volume of
lies about the Russian Revolution spewed by the ruling class.
AlanThe October Revolution stands as a beacon of light and hope for the
working class and oppressed of the whole world, and for this reason the
capitalists are forced to besmirch the true history of the revolution.
Marx explained long ago that the dominant ideas in any society are the
ideas of the ruling class. Through their agents in the universities and
the media, the ruling class try to paint the events of October as a coup
d’état led by the “bloodthirsty Bolsheviks”.
The reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. The October
Revolution was not a coup d’état plotted by the Bolsheviks, but was in
fact the most democratic, mass revolutionary action in history. The
vehicle through which the Russian working class conquered power was not
a coup d’état by a small minority but through the soviets, the most
democratic mass organizations in history, organized and developed by the
working masses themselves. The soviets began as extended strike
committees, organs of proletarian struggle and democracy, and were
extremely flexible and democratic, and were organized from the factory
floor and neighbourhoods and linked up into all-Russian soviets,
representing the democratic will of the working class as a whole.
The argument that the October Revolution was a conspiracy of the
Bolshevik party does not hold any water. At the beginning of the
February Revolution, the Bolsheviks only had some 8,000 members. How
could such a tiny minority not only “mislead” the entire country,
overthrow the Provisional Government with its “armed bodies of men” in
the form of the army and the police, and then hold on to power in the
face of armed imperialist intervention and civil war?
The most striking aspect of the 1917 revolution was in fact the active
participation of the masses in politics. This in fact is one of the key
elements of any revolution, and is in fact the essence of a revolution.
The key to the success of the October Revolution and the reason the
soviets could hold on to power in the face of armed counterrevolution,
was the active support of the masses who fought for and defended the
gains of the revolution. The Soviet government was their government and
they fought to defend it against the Whites.
All of this is not to say that the Bolshevik party played no role in the
revolution. In fact, when looking at subsequent revolutions that were
defeated in Germany and elsewhere for example, a key reason for these
defeats was precisely the absence of a well-organized revolutionary
party that could win over the decisive majority of the working class to
a revolutionary programme and direct the revolutionary energy of the
masses to power.
The Bolsheviks were able to win the confidence of the working masses and
oppressed in Russia because their program was the only one that
consistently reflected the interests of the masses. On this basis they
were able to connect with the masses through the timely use of slogans
such as “Peace, Land and Bread” and “All Power to the Soviets” as well
as tireless agitation and organizing in the factories, the army and on
the streets.
Global capitalism finds itself in profound crisis. The parties of the
establishment, both right and left, cannot offer a way out of the
situation. Workers and youth can no longer stand the status quo, and are
everywhere seeking an alternative that can actually solve the problems
they face. This has led to a collapse of the traditional centre, and a
polarization in society to the right and the left.
People everywhere are rapidly losing confidence in the establishment in
particular and capitalism in general, especially the youth. Alan
finished by explaining that it is our task today to reclaim the banner
of October, cleanse it of all the lies of the ruling class and the
crimes of Stalinism and raise it as the only banner the working class
can support. We must fight for the socialist future of humanity, and
this can only be done on the basis of a revolutionary programme and
party, based on the ideas of Marxism and the October Revolution.
The Revolution Betrayed
JulienJulien Arseneau, a member of the La Riposte socialiste editorial
board, introduced the afternoon session on Trotsky’s Revolution Betrayed
and the question of Stalinism. Julien explained that anyone interested
in revolutionary ideas today will inevitably be confronted with the
question of Stalinism and what happened in the Soviet Union.
Julien explained that socialism isn’t merely a good idea that can be
implemented at any time, outside of all historical or socioeconomic
context. According to Marxism, there are certain material conditions
that are necessary for the establishment of socialism. Viewed in
isolation, Russia did not meet these conditions. However,
internationally speaking, the conditions had developed under capitalism
whereby socialism could be established. It was therefore precisely
because of the defeats of the revolutions in Germany and elsewhere that
Stalin, on the basis of a bureaucratic counterrevolution, was able to
rise to power.
Marx once explained that the development of the productive forces was a
necessary premise for socialism and communism, because without it “want
is generalized and with want the struggle for necessities begins again,
and that means that all the old crap must revive”. Because of the
ruination of years of war, revolution and civil war, and because of the
isolation of the revolution, one could not talk about socialism in
Russia. This meant inevitably that, “all the old crap revived”.
In relation to the rise of the Stalinist bureaucracy, Trotsky once
explained that “The basis of bureaucratic rule is the poverty of society
in objects of consumption, with the resulting struggle of each against
all. When there is enough goods in a store, the purchasers can come
whenever they want to. When there is little goods, the purchasers are
compelled to stand in line. When the lines are very long, it is
necessary to appoint a policeman to keep order. Such is the starting
point of the power of the Soviet bureaucracy.” Julien explained that
from this, we can understand the concrete reasons for the growth of the
Stalinist bureaucracy in the Soviet Union.
Julien finished by explaining how Lenin had spent the last few years of
his life fighting against the rise of this bureaucracy, and the struggle
of the Left Opposition against Stalinism. Julien answered one of the
main lies peddled by the ruling class - that Stalinism and Bolshevism
are the same thing, or at least that Stalinism was the logical
consequence of the October Revolution. As Julien pointed out, if this
were true, why in order to consolidate power was Stalin compelled to
murder all the old Bolsheviks and destroy the Bolshevik party? The fact
that Stalin had to exterminate the Bolshevik party, the old
revolutionary guard, demonstrates that Stalinism and Bolshevism are
entirely incompatible, separated by a river of blood.
Julien finished by explaining that the historic context that conditioned
the rise of Stalinism does not really exist anymore, or at least not to
the same extent. In Russia, as in many other countries, there has been a
massive development and expansion of the productive forces, which also
means a massive development in the strength of the proletariat. The
conditions in which future revolutions will take place will therefore be
much more favourable to the development of socialism, and for this
reason we can be confident in our victory in the class struggle.
Revolutionary youth and students
FarshadThe final session of the day was on the topic of student
organizing in Canada and was presented by Farshad Azadian of the
Fightback editorial board. He introduced some of the members of the
various Fightback/La Riposte socialiste student clubs from around the
country, including from Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Victoria,
highlighting the recent success in student work.
Farshad noted that there are Fightback/La Riposte socialiste student
clubs present on a dozen campuses across the country. The remarkable
growth and success of revolutionary student work was a reflection of the
fact that the youth and students are often a barometer for the level of
discontent in society and this is why students and youth are often at
the forefront of revolutionary struggle. There are numerous examples
from history that demonstrate this, from France 1968 to more recent
events in the Arab Spring.
Farshad finished by appealing to those present to set up revolutionary
student clubs on their campuses throughout the country. We appeal to all
students interested in socialism to unite with Socialist Fightback
Students and join in the struggle for socialism. To that end, we will
soon be producing a welcoming package to help those interested. Please
get in touch if you would like to know more!
The Impact of the Russian Revolution
The second day of the school started with a presentation by Alex Grant,
editor of Fightback, who explained the impact of the Russian Revolution
in North America by highlighting the fact that revolutions do not know
or respect borders. He began by explaining just how deeply the Russian
Revolution influenced workers and farmers in Quebec, English Canada and
the United States, the history of which is little known.
The Russian Revolution was greeted enthusiastically by the workers of
North America and many workers’ organizations, such as the Industrial
Workers of the World, looked towards the Russian Revolution as a victory
for the working class and as a way forward for the working class in
North America.
The Russian Revolution terrified the ruling class in North America,
because of the enthusiasm the workers in felt for the October
Revolution. This resulted in a vicious Red Scare campaign, where
meetings of socialists and radical newspapers were banned and thousands
were arrested.
AlexThe workers and youth in North America at that time stood in
solidarity with the Russian Revolution, and there are many examples of
strikes and work stoppages to stop the shipment of arms to the
counterrevolutionaries in Russia. There were massive and radical strikes
in Toronto and Montreal, along with a massive May Day rally in Toronto
in 1919 as well as general strike in Seattle. There was also the
Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, which spread across western North
America like wildfire, and included the formation of extended strike
committees and workers’ councils in places such as Edmonton and Vancouver.
The impact of the Russian Revolution and the impact of international
solidarity could also be seen in the mutiny of troops sent to Russia to
aid the counterrevolutionaries in their war on Soviet Russia. The mutiny
of many of these troops and their refusal to fight played a large role
in forcing the American and Canadian imperialists from withdrawing from
Soviet Russia. This goes to show that Canadian and American workers and
soldiers played a direct role in saving the Russian Revolution and the
young Soviet state.
Alex used these historic examples to demonstrate how revolutions can
spread from one country to another, and quickly. This is because as a
general rule, the workers of all countries face the same problems, and
will seek out similar solutions. Such examples of international
solidarity will be seen again, and on the basis of solid revolutionary
organization, we can utilise the momentum of this solidarity to further
revolutionary struggles at home and ensure the victory of the world
socialist revolution.
The crisis of capitalism and the class struggle
The final session of the Marxist Winter School was presented by Hubert
Prévaud, editor of the French Marxist journal Révolution, who spoke
about world perspectives and the developing crisis of capitalism. He
described the profound stagnation in economic growth, the various crises
of overproduction that have erupted or threaten to erupt as well as the
unprecedented levels of debt across all layers of society.
HubertHubert pointed out that the protectionist measures being taken and
planned by the Trump government in the United States and in the European
Union, could result in something similar to the Wall Street Crash of
1929. To the delight of the capitalists everywhere, the financial crisis
of 2008-2009 did not seem to provoke a response on the part of the
reformist parties and trade unions, or the working class in general.
Though fearing a revolutionary response on the part of the workers and
youth, in its apparent absence the ruling became overconfident following
the 2008-2009 recession and arrogantly pressed on with their attacks on
workers and youth.
As Hubert explained, beneath the apparent calm on the surface of things,
changes were taking place at the depths of society. Deep discontent and
anger was stirring amongst the masses, and we are now beginning to see
this discontent reflected in the collapse of the traditional centre,
along with a sharp polarization to the left and the right in society.
This is a reflection of the accumulated anger the masses feel towards
the traditional establishment parties, politicians and institutions as
well as the economic and political elites. This can be seen in the rise
of support in socialism and Marxism, as the masses are beginning to seek
alternatives and find a way out of the crisis.
Hubert explained that the rise of Trump is in reality a crisis of the
regime. A section of the ruling class is deeply worried. Above all, the
capitalists desire stability to govern and make profits. But Trump is a
perpetual source of great instability, with American society being
shaken to the core. The old consensus that had been in place since the
end of the Second World War, lies in ruins, and this is a cause of
concern for the ruling class. Trump has promised a lot, and a result the
people now have great expectations – expectations that he cannot meet.
This will only result in the increasing anger of the masses, and the
increasing polarization of society. This terrifies the ruling class
because they are acutely aware that their hand is no longer firmly on
the wheel.
We cannot only look at the rise of Trump and despair. This is a
one-sided view of things. We also have to look at the unprecedented
mobilization of workers and youth against Trump and his right-wing and
racist policies. The marvellous mobilization of workers and youth around
the world against the Trump regime is a source of inspiration and
confidence in the future battles of the class struggle.
Hubert also explained the crisis in the European Union, discussing the
Greek crisis and the rise of Syriza, the collapse of the left in Italy,
the rise of Podemos in Spain, the rise of Le Pen and the question of
Mélenchon and the changes taking place in the Socialist Party in France,
and of course the Corbyn phenomenon and the question of Brexit.
Capitalism has entered into the greatest crisis in its history. Economic
stagnation, political instability and the sharp rise of the class
struggle reign on all continents and in all lands. Hubert explained that
the capitalists and the reformist organizations will not be able to find
a way out of this crisis. They cannot govern and rule as they used to.
The centre is collapsing and society polarizing increasingly sharply to
the right and the left. This will mean that we will continue to see a
sharpening of the class struggle, a rise in the number and intensity of
strikes and a turn to the left of the workers and youth. The masses of
workers and youth are seeking an alternative. The key task now is to get
organized and patiently explain the ideas of Marxism and a revolutionary
socialist program as the only way forward.
Build the International Marxist Tendency
Joel Bergman, editor of La Riposte socialiste, wrapped up the school and
offered some concluding remarks. He expressed his immense pride in the
school, which has grown remarkably over the past few years. He thanked
everyone involved in organizing the school and all those who attended
for coming.
He finished by explaining that Trotsky once spoke of the molecular
process of revolution. For many years this process may have seemed
invisible, but was developing nonetheless. Today, this process has
broken through the surface and is quite visible and easy to see and was
reflected in the growing radicalization of young workers and students.
He finished by explaining that our goal was to rise to the tasks posed
by history, to provide the ideas necessary to ensure the socialist
future of humanity, and to be worthy of that role and the struggles to
come. To close the school, the participants all stood and with raised
fists enthusiastically sang The Internationale and the Bandiera Rossa to
great cheer.
The seventh annual Montreal Marxist Winter School was a fantastic event
and marvellous success. The sharp rise in attendance year-on-year is a
reflection of the sharp break and development in the class consciousness
of workers and youth. As capitalist society stagnates and stumbles from
crisis to crisis, dashing all hopes for the future, workers and youth
are forced to seek alternatives and a way out of the crisis.
Increasingly, people are turning to the ideas of Marxism, Bolshevism and
the October Revolution and are coming to one inescapable conclusion: the
only solution is socialist revolution.
These are exciting times to be a revolutionary. While many on the left
wallow in despair and hopelessness, the revolutionary Marxists look
forward to the future with a brilliant optimism. We have confidence in
the working class and youth, and faith that they can and will change
society and cleanse the world of all exploitation. All those interested
in learning more should join the International Marxist Tendency, and
join in the struggle for the socialist future of humanity!
MWS2
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