Marxism 2006 - 6-10 July, London

[Nigel Irritable]

When I went in the early eighties it lasted for a week and was very poorly attended.

I can't compare it with events when I was a small child. All I can do is put forward my own observations and those of most other observers, which are that Marxism's attendence over the last two or three years has been shrinking as compared to a few years ago. I think even the SWP posters here generally accepted that, although they put a different gloss on it as compared to that preferred by the SWP's opponents. As it happens I think that both explanations are likely to have an element of truth to them.

 

[Nigel]

Genuine answer. It's a smaller event these days.

As for why that is, the SWP's enemies would tell you that it's because the SWP is smaller these days and can't mobilise as many people. The SWP would tell you that it's because they are now so busy doing other things that they can't put the same emphasis on organising and mobilising for Marxism. Personally I think it's reasonably obvious that the answer is a little from column A and a little from column B.

How's that for fair and even handed?

I think the Anarchist Bookfair is bigger these days.
Its worth hanging arou
nd
the AWL so you can have a go at some Revisionist Cliffite Scum! (Though the AWL are Probably worse)!!!!!!

 

[jonny favorite]

Do the Socialist Party ex Militant group have their own version of this or do they come to listen to the talks at this one?

 

[Binkie]

The SWP has failed in its major objective - achieving socialism - so far, so I can see why they might change tactics and emphases from time to time. But they are really under an obligation to explain why they have failed. Do they know? And should we listen to failures?

 

[socialistsuzy]

Do the Socialist Party ex Militant group have their own version of this or do they come to listen to the talks at this one?

both, some members go along to marxism to check it out, i went last year (wasn't impressed, not much time for discussion, rallies were crap) and would be going this year if i wasn't on holiday, i like a bit of debate. in the socialist party we have socialism events. last year's socialism2005 was the biggest we've had for years with over 1000 people attending over the two days, was really good with a large number of young people too. this years will be around the same time as last years kind of oct/nov period. should be good.
xsuzyx

 

[JHE]

this years will be around the same time as last years kind of oct/nov period. should be good.
xsuzyx

Will there be a prayer room?

 

[tangentlama]

Will there be a prayer room?

Prayer rooms are for people who have a commitment to pray 'in situ'. Muslim pray 5 times a day, away from the mosque, where ever they are they stop to pray - hence the requirement for a prayeroom (and washroom too!).

Religion is the 'original' socialism!

 

[astronaut]

Prayer rooms are for people who have a commitment to pray 'in situ'. Muslim pray 5 times a day, away from the mosque, where ever they are they stop to pray - hence the requirement for a prayeroom (and washroom too!).

Religion is the 'original' socialism!

[stupid question] Isn't Marxism supposed to be opposed to ALL religion, or are some religions more acceptable than others? [/stupid question]

(Whatever the answer, I'm sure Marx will be turning in his grave.)

Quiz - Who said these:

“Religion is the impotence of the human mind to deal with occurrences it cannot understand”

“Religion is the opium of the masses.”

“The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion.”

 

[ViolentPanda]

[stupid question] Isn't Marxism supposed to be opposed to ALL religion, or are some religions more acceptable than others? [/stupid question]

(Whatever the answer, I'm sure Marx will be turning in his grave.)

Quiz - Who said these:

“Religion is the impotence of the human mind to deal with occurrences it cannot understand”

“Religion is the opium of the masses.”

“The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion.”

Yer mum.

 

[jonny favorite]

both, some members go along to marxism to check it out, i went last year (wasn't impressed, not much time for discussion, rallies were crap) and would be going this year if i wasn't on holiday, i like a bit of debate. in the socialist party we have socialism events. last year's socialism2005 was the biggest we've had for years with over 1000 people attending over the two days, was really good with a large number of young people too. this years will be around the same time as last years kind of oct/nov period. should be good.
xsuzyx

Is this smaller than the SWP one?

 

[JHE]

Is this smaller than the SWP one?

Yes. The Social Workers have some very big rallies:

 

[big footed fred]

I wonder how many Marxist governments have works well in the past ?

 

[Streathamite]

I wonder how many Marxist governments have works well in the past ?

yes, that really has so much to do with how much value those attending a discussion weekend may or may not get from it, hasn't it?

 

[audiotech]

I wonder how many Marxist governments have works well in the past ?

Some have got rid of despots and absolute monarchs. At least one (democratically elected) was overthrown by a military coup, supported by the CIA, who delivered the "free market" and bankrupted most of Latin America.

But I digress and remind you that this forum is for ANNOUNCEMENTS only, not debate you tory twat.

 

[Nigel]

Are there going to be any unofficial meetings from different groups there, or expelled factions.

Is Matkidd going to call a meeting to discuss internal democracy?????

 

[audiotech]

Are there going to be any unofficial meetings from different groups there, or expelled factions.

Is Matkidd going to call a meeting to discuss internal democracy?????

Doubt it as he resigned his membership voluntarily.

 

[dennisr]

I wonder how many Marxist governments have works well in the past ?

Doh, its the homer simpson of urban 75

 

[mk12]

Doubt it as he resigned his membership voluntarily.

doubt it as I am banned from Marxism.

 

[JHE]

doubt it as I am banned from Marxism.

It'll be easy to get in. Just turn up wearing a burqa. They'll never recognise you.

 

[audiotech]

doubt it as I am banned from Marxism.

If they let the Weekly Worker in they'll let you in.

 

[mk12]

Not according to the National Secretary.

 

[audiotech]

I doubt he'll be on the door?

 

[mk12]

they have 15 people on every door, trying to recruit people. He's bound to see me.

 

[Nigel]

Shit Wind & Piss: STORM THE BARRICADES

We should organise a mass rally outside Marxism for Matkidd, and a petition for him to be allowed in.

 

[audiotech]

they have 15 people on every door, trying to recruit people. He's bound to see me.

Sidle backwards with a copy of Socialist Worker high up covering your face. For added kudos wear a Palestinian scarf.

 

[Nigel]

Get some Middle Eastern headgear grow a beard and put some boot polish on your face.

Say your were once a devout Islamicist, hated gays, trated women as servents and childbearers, used to throw acid in the faces of 'promiscuous' women, burnt down birth control centres; but since coming into contact with RESPECT you've seen the light, and there are thousands more like & what an amazing project the RESPECT UNITY COALITION is for transforming the world to socialism...

 

[audiotech]

Get some Middle Eastern headgear grow a beard and put some boot polish on your face.

Say your were once a devout Islamicist, hated gays, trated women as servents and childbearers, used to throw acid in the faces of 'promiscuous' women, burnt down birth control centres; but since coming into contact with RESPECT you've seen the light, and there are thousands more like & what an amazing project the RESPECT UNITY COALITION is for transforming the world to socialism...

Those who would be devout Islamacists would, and do have, nothing but contempt for Left secularists, never mind atheist Marxists.

 

[Nigel]

Those who would be devout Islamacists would, and do have, nothing but contempt for Left secularists, never mind atheist Marxists.

I got the impression that the SWP/RESPECT's position was to work with these people until they saw the light and all became Social Workers!
Sorry I meant Socialist Workers....

 

[mk12]

Dr Naseem seems to be a bit of a "devout islamist"!

 

[audiotech]

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