Some time ago I knew a militant shop steward, she was a formidable fighter for worker’s rights and as a young woman had led a major walkout of females at a Glasgow factory. This dispute quickly spread to several factories in the area. She had a reputation for not taking any crap. Years later when I met her, she decided to ditch her old communist comrades and join the Labour Party. She told me, “I’m tired of only getting a say on what colour the factory shit house walls are to be painted. I want to make a real difference”.
She was duly elected on to any number of council committees and for a while caused a stir. Then she was institutionalised as they all are and her reputation plummeted. I feel individuals are helpless once they become embedded in the machinery of governance and to retain their positions must become functionaries. No doubt telling themselves they are only using the system to change it. This is why the Labour Party has always been ‘failed’ by its leaders.
Andrea, if you are successful in running for political office can you stop becoming an administrator in your own exploitation?
EDIT
Just came across this article: http://www.workersliberty.org/story/2012/05/02/legacy-agnes-mclean
I’ve linked it as it proves you can’t believe all you read on the net.
It wishes to cast doubt on Wee Aggie’s shop steward activities. It reminds me of the Stalinist back stabbing of Agnes after she left the party. There was never any doubt about her past union activities and the party was always trying to contain her militancy. I was present on several occasions when she had blazing arguments with the communist factory convener John McCormack. Though no working class saint, she really went down-hill after she jettisoned shop floor activities for the Labour Party ‘power politics’.
I am not a Labor Leader; I do not want you to follow me or anyone else; if you are looking for a Moses to lead you out of this capitalist wilderness, you will stay right where you are. I would not lead you into the promised land if I could, because if I led you in, some one else would lead you out. You must use your heads as well as your hands, and get yourself out of your present condition; as it is now the capitalists use your heads and your hands.
I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions of the revolutionary function of political leaders.
There isn't one.
If you want a thorough and detailed analysis of why even well-intentioned leaders are unable to enact real change, have a read of this excellent book: https://libcom.org/library/state-capitalist-society-ralph-miliband
The role of a political party leader is to act in the interests of capital whilst creating the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate.
The role of a political party leader is to act in the interests of capital whilst creating the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate.
Of course they may also have the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate (cf Syriza, the [early] Bolsheviks, etc)
The role of a political party leader is to act in the interests of capital whilst creating the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate.
Of course they may also have the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate (cf Syriza, the [early] Bolsheviks, etc)
For sure. It makes no real difference though. Whether a cynical or deluded party leader the end results are the same.
Of course, yes the end result is the same. Just thought it was worth pointing out that they don't have to be horrible people, it happens to the genuine ones as well.
Of course, yes the end result is the same. Just thought it was worth pointing out that they don't have to be horrible people, it happens to the genuine ones as well.
mmmm...maybe start here, just
mmmm...maybe start here, just so you know what sort of response to expect here on libcom:
http://libcom.org/library/state-introduction
Some time ago I knew a
Some time ago I knew a militant shop steward, she was a formidable fighter for worker’s rights and as a young woman had led a major walkout of females at a Glasgow factory. This dispute quickly spread to several factories in the area. She had a reputation for not taking any crap. Years later when I met her, she decided to ditch her old communist comrades and join the Labour Party. She told me, “I’m tired of only getting a say on what colour the factory shit house walls are to be painted. I want to make a real difference”.
She was duly elected on to any number of council committees and for a while caused a stir. Then she was institutionalised as they all are and her reputation plummeted. I feel individuals are helpless once they become embedded in the machinery of governance and to retain their positions must become functionaries. No doubt telling themselves they are only using the system to change it. This is why the Labour Party has always been ‘failed’ by its leaders.
Andrea, if you are successful in running for political office can you stop becoming an administrator in your own exploitation?
EDIT
Just came across this article: http://www.workersliberty.org/story/2012/05/02/legacy-agnes-mclean
I’ve linked it as it proves you can’t believe all you read on the net.
It wishes to cast doubt on Wee Aggie’s shop steward activities. It reminds me of the Stalinist back stabbing of Agnes after she left the party. There was never any doubt about her past union activities and the party was always trying to contain her militancy. I was present on several occasions when she had blazing arguments with the communist factory convener John McCormack. Though no working class saint, she really went down-hill after she jettisoned shop floor activities for the Labour Party ‘power politics’.
As Debs said Quote: I am not
As Debs said
Andrea Grainger wrote: I'd
Andrea Grainger
There isn't one.
If you want a thorough and detailed analysis of why even well-intentioned leaders are unable to enact real change, have a read of this excellent book: https://libcom.org/library/state-capitalist-society-ralph-miliband
Or watch The Wire!
The role of revolutionaries
The role of revolutionaries are to help convince others to become revolutionaries
The role of political office is retard the role of revolutionaries
The role of a political party
The role of a political party leader is to act in the interests of capital whilst creating the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate.
Noah Fence wrote: The role of
Noah Fence
Of course they may also have the illusion that they are acting in the interests of the electorate (cf Syriza, the [early] Bolsheviks, etc)
Steven. wrote: Noah Fence
Steven.
For sure. It makes no real difference though. Whether a cynical or deluded party leader the end results are the same.
Of course, yes the end result
Of course, yes the end result is the same. Just thought it was worth pointing out that they don't have to be horrible people, it happens to the genuine ones as well.
Steven. wrote: Of course, yes
Steven.
Agreed - 2 minds with but a single thought!