The Socialist Workers Party was founded in 1938 when the Left Opposition
in the Socialist Party - which had entered some years before with the
dissolution of the Communist League of America into the Socialist Party
- fused with the Workers Party. It has been running candidates ever
since that 1938 founding.
On 9/22/2015 9:40 AM, Miriam Vieni wrote:
Bob,
I think they're both right. I think that Hedges is right ethically and,
perhaps, in the long run. But in practical terms, in this real world, I
think Kaufman is right. The fact is that thousands and thousands of people
are listening to Sanders. That's why I contributed money to his campaign,
because I wanted his message to be heard and it will only be heard if he
works through one of the two corporate parties. Chris Hedges, on the other
hand, gave that speech to the Green Party. I am contributing a little money
each month to the Green Party because I would like them to be able to
attract more people. But Chris Hedges speaks only to the Left. And Green
Party candidates do not have audiences of thousands and thousands of people
hearing them. The Socialist Workers' Party has been quietly organizing and
having candidates forever, at least for the past 50 years which is all I
know about, but longer than that, and they don't even get on the ballot. Ask
anyone in the street who Jill Stein is and they'll look at you blankly. I
don't care how correct one's political theory is or how true his message, if
it doesn't reach masses of people and isn't embraced by them, it means
nothing at all in terms of real change.
Miriam
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bob Hachey
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 9:09 AM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: What It Means to Be a Socialist
Hi Miriam,
Wise words here from Mr. Hedges.
I am wrestling in my mind. In this corner we have Chris Hedges and his
definition of a socialist. He argues that Sanders is not a good choice for a
leader because he enables the military industrial complex and other
corporates.
In the opposing corner, we have William Kaufman arguing that the left needs
to relax and support Bernie Sanders.
Seems I'm waffling back and forth between those two sides. No doubt that
sanders had done a good job identifying the scourge of income inequality and
that he has pulled Clinton slightly to the left.
AT this point in time, I'd say my heart is with Hedges and my head is sort
of with Kaufman. My heart is more committed to Hedges than my head is to
Kaufman.
IS that trying to have it both ways? If so, then you may lable me guilty as
charged.
Bob Hachey
