Socialism Now

 

We freely acknowledge the Russian Revolution and widespread post-war discontent of 1918 and 1919 did inspire large segments of workers, that fact and we but the parties of the World Socialist Movement nevertheless questioned whether a socialist revolution was taking place. In the light of subsequent events, the socialist movement would be a far greater force and factor today had it not been for the squandered efforts and illusions of the Bolshevik counterfeits as far as a genuine socialist revolutionary movement is concerned.

 The Communist Parties and all their various splinter groups, usually revolve around personalities and “leaders.” They are dominated by the concept of a vanguard of “professional cadres.” It is the responsibility of the vanguard to guide and lead its followers. They have the appeal of being conspiratorial in nature. They stir the emotions with their “grassroots” activities of organising demonstrations and protests on every issue. Their concepts of the “Dictatorship of the Proletariat” and the “Transitional Period” are reflected in what they call “Democratic Centralism.” The control of the organisation is from the top, who inform the membership of “the party line.”

What is the task of those dedicated to arousing their fellow workers to become socialists? It is, first of all, to help uproot superstitions and to spread knowledge and understanding. Only the workers can emancipate themselves. The only factor in all the material conditions of today that the SPGB can see standing in the way of socialism is the political ignorance of the workers. Our opposition to reforms and reformism are just because their objectives are palliative in nature and are fought for in order to make the system function more smoothly. Though we do not advocate reforms nor fight for reforms, that does not mean that we refuse to accept reforms, as though we could if we wanted to. Historically, reform activities have dissipated the earnest energies of so-called socialists from doing any socialist work, whatsoever. The need for reforms is a full-time all-consuming job.

Conditions are now ripe for socialism, i.e. production for use and where all mankind cooperate in the common social interests. In a sane world fit for human beings, the social forces breeding wars disappear. It is time for a breakthrough to society in harmony with the tremendous technological developments of the last 100 years. The SPGB is not going to do anything for the working class except to arouse their fervour, determination and enthusiasm for socialist objectives. The aroused class-conscious workers will use their party as the lever of emancipation. To summarise: All such activities still leave the job left to be done, the only job worthwhile and meaningful: making socialists. The acid test of socialism is found in the workings of the real world.

The bond that makes us as one and inspires us is the recognition that capitalism can no longer be reformed or administered in the interest of the working class or of society, and the understanding that conditions are now ripe for socialism, which is the solution for society’s problems. All that is lacking is a socialist majority. This is the essence of our principles.