Re: [OPE] Putting humans back into socialism

On 2010-12-08 14:52, GERALD LEVY wrote:
>
> Once that happened, then socialists from other nations responded. Some
> denounced the invasion; others (following an argument similar to that of
> David L) refused to criticize the USSR for an invasion of what was
> supposed to be a sovereign socialist nation.
>
> It is at times such as those when the internationalism of socialists is
> tested. Does internationalism mean uncritical support of the actions
> of socialists in other nations or does it mean - as I think it must - a
> critical stance towards the actions of other socialists and - where
> necessary - denunciation of those actions?

Criticism by socialists is absolutely necessary. My point was rather
that criticism of overall political and economic policies must not
collapse into slogans of 'putting humans at center' or projecting ideals
onto material conditions that cannot support them. In other words,
whatever problems identified with the political-economic structure ought
to be addressed in the form of proposing alternative sets of feasible
policies. The period 1917-1950 is a case in point. Otherwise one might
as well just take a liberal idealist position.

//Dave Z
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Received on Wed Dec 8 14:06:19 2010