The systemic breakdown that our socioeconomic system is creating has the potential to do more than worsen the suffering of the people. Capitalism has survived so long because it’s been able to exploit the crises it creates, to profit off of wars, depressions, pandemics, and environmental catastrophes. Yet in certain instances, these crises have instead produced victories for the working class. World War I made the Russian revolution possible, World War II made the Chinese revolution possible, the living standards crisis that the IMF engineered across the Global South made the formation of many anti-imperialist governments possible. When the capitalists disrupt society, they do so with the risk that the outcome will be not greater profits but an end to their rule.
  • Shrike502@lemmygrad.ml
    0·
    2 years ago

    I like Rainer’s writing style, but I feel he’s being unnecessarily optimistic regarding the instability of USA. I suppose he’d know better than me, living there and all, but if you read him you’d think USA was already borderline Mad Max. From the outside it doesn’t appear to be the case

    • Giyuu@lemmygrad.ml
      1·
      2 years ago

      Attempting revolution, and even organizing, is suicide in the US. Not only is the surveillance the strongest its ever been, but it is wielded by a united bourgeoisie. And that ruling class can still squeeze so much more out of its workers as the profits abroad dry up. In other words, there’s quite a bit a ways to go.

      This can change, but right now there is great unity against China within the ruling class and they are also succeeding at turning the proletariat against China. And living conditions have still not hit critical for most.

      US comrades should not risk their lives. It may seem doomerist, but I don’t think that really anything can be done. The situation abroad (in the global south, etc) has to change first.

      • TeezyZeezy@lemmygrad.ml
        0·
        2 years ago

        I don’t know, comrade. I think you have a good point in surveillance being strong and having unity against China/Russia among most of the population, but this is changing. Not only that, but we don’t need absolutely everyone to be on board, right? That’s kind of the point of the vanguard, if I understand correctly. To have a spearhead of the most educated and dedicated revolutionaries lead us to victory in the interest of the proletariat. Of course, the more supporters the better, and we must remain vigilant in maintaining the people’s interest, but it is not required that 51% or whatever magic number of people are properly educated and radicalized.

        Also, if we just sit back and wait for the situation in the global south to get to a point where revolution is viewed as “ripe” in the US, too, we will run out of time. With climate change breathing down our necks, there is no time for waiting. Revolution must happen at some point in the US and no matter what it is going to be incredibly difficult. No sense in waiting until they destroy the world, I say.

        What do you think?

        • QueerCommie@lemmygrad.ml
          1·
          2 years ago

          It’s possible in the next century, almost 45% of Americans support “socialism” if we can convince a reasonable amount of them that its not just socialism we need, but communism and it cannot be achieved by reform, then we may have a chance. As we sink further into fascism and people’s material conditions worsen there will be more who are willing to fight for a better future. (Source on 45%: https://www.newsweek.com/socialism-america-gallup-poll-1431266) Also, the US has the most armed population. As Marx said “Under no pretext should arms and ammunition be surrendered; any attempts to disarm the people must be stopped, by force if necessary.” if enough armed Americans become based revolution may be feasible.___

    • CountryBreakfast@lemmygrad.ml
      0·
      2 years ago

      Yeah we are just going to let it get bad enough to the point we scream louder to destroy Russia and China. People just want to be a normal, self righteous, rich country at the end of the day and nothing more. We are not going to face ourselves over this. We don’t even know who we are.