• Llituro [he/him, they/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    40·
    17 days ago

    i’m on the opposite end of the consumption spectrum here and you’ve pretty much got it bang on. i think his “reformist politics” are overstated. his role is raising consciousness and informing, not getting candidates elected. he’s supported candidates who are exclusively opposed by and funded against by the democratic party. they’re aren’t socialist, but in his broader commentary and established political project, the point isn’t to try and magically socialize the democratic party: the goal is to try and help elect people that want to end the genocide, and that they tend to be great mouthpieces for the failed neoliberalist democratic party is all the better.

    • spectre [he/him]@hexbear.netEnglish
      20·
      17 days ago

      It is also a very good thing if the people he boosts get crushed by the establishment (either before or after getting elected).

      The idea that voting harder will resolve issues needs to be destroyed in the minds of american liberals (and this is partially underway). If there is a better way of propagandizing it than just outright demonstrating it, then I guess I wish someone would inform me about that. Explaining theory doesn’t work at scale.

      It is also important to keep in mind that Hasan is a figurehead propagandist for the US American Left. His audience is growing with the mainstream coverage, and these people are varely-deconstructed liberals. He would not have his platform (which is valuable to our movement) if he didnt channel his call to action toward things that are easily digestible. “Vote against Zionist/AIPAC candidates -> get involved with their campaigns -> organize outside of the electoral system (start a union, join DSA/PSL)” is a straightforward way to activate his large audience. Over the course of several years it will generate thousands of left-wing leaders who will be equipped (from their experience and education) for more advanced tactics.

      It is a shame that this is the most prominent left figure available, but PSL are not yet up to the task. At the same time, Hasan’s prominence could lead to that (or something that is equivalently effect).

      • Llituro [he/him, they/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
        9·
        17 days ago

        100%. i agree with your analysis entirely.

        It is a shame that this is the most prominent left figure available, but PSL are not yet up to the task. At the same time, Hasan’s prominence could lead to that (or something that is equivalently effect).

        to that point, i’ve always appreciated his willingness to work with bt news and code pink, two of the media organizations that are often considered PSL-affiliated.

      • RedWizard [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.net
        3·
        15 days ago

        At present it is often difficult for the British Communists even to approach the masses, even to make themselves heard. But if I address the masses as a Communist, and invite them to vote for Henderson against Lloyd George, I most certainly will be listened to. And, being listened to, I shall be able to popularize the idea, not only that Soviets are better than Parliaments, and that the dictatorship of the proletariat is better than the dictatorship of Churchill (disguised under the name of bourgeois “democracy”), but also that I am prepared to support Henderson by my vote in just the same way as a rope supports the man who has hanged himself. ​And, as the Hendersons draw nearer to the formation of their own government, it will be proved that I am right, it will draw the masses to my side and will facilitate the political death of the Hendersons and Snowdens, as happened in the case of their co-thinkers in Russia and in Germany.