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Ideas and Ideologies
Ideas and Ideologies – Davy Carlin 10/01/05
For, The Blanket, Indy media and Street Seen
As an activist I have been involved in many campaigns over the last few years. From Anti Sectarianism, to Anti War, Anti Globalisation, to Anti Racism, Anti Privatisation to Anti Poverty and in each I have witnessed various movements, some mass, others less so. Nevertheless within each of them I had both seen and played an active part with others in initiating the coming together of not only peoples, Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter but of diverse organisations, groups and individual activists. Yet with all of these having been termed as being ‘Anti’ and against, what exactly then are we for. Ideas and Ideologies – Davy Carlin 10/01/05
For, The Blanket, Indy media and Street Seen
As an activist I have been involved in many campaigns over the last few years. From Anti Sectarianism, to Anti War, Anti Globalisation, to Anti Racism, Anti Privatisation to Anti Poverty and in each I have witnessed various movements, some mass, others less so. Nevertheless within each of them I had both seen and played an active part with others in initiating the coming together of not only peoples, Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter but of diverse organisations, groups and individual activists. Yet with all of these having been termed as being ‘Anti’ and against, what exactly then are we for.
Having participated in the above local campaigns and movements as well as partaking in the International protests from Genoa to Geneva. I have therefore developed a real flavour not only of the Movement, but of the Movements within the Movement. For others and me we had embraced the concept of think globally and act locally in a real and practical way through initiating and building local mass movements, as part of the wider International Movement. It is part of a developing and of a new activism that had embraced millions on the streets internationally and with it having thrown up new and old questions about the world. And through doing so, so then came discussion and debate on how we go about creating either a ‘better world’ within the present system, or indeed seeking fundamental change from the existing system. Yet despite many of the various local movements being against specific issues of concerns. They of course are not overtly socialist, although socialists had been to the fore in many of them. They are in fact broad campaigns and movements on that initial specific issue of concern that make up the movement.
Similarly the global movement in large part, in comparison with local specific movements is replicated but on a much larger scale. And therefore similarly within it, it holds the same diversity of ideas and ideologies mixed within. With that I had found that whether it was on a local issue or being on an International protest abroad, I have found engagement with others a vital component in the movement. And with that I have found within the movements at the local level that many of the participant activist’s ideas of what they are against being quite straight forward for them. This on each specific issue, although many do then begin to link them up as to the overall Global problem. It though becomes more difficult, not as much with those that hold an ideology and seeing that bigger linked picture. But in fact it is when each ‘differing ideological tradition’ sees each as a ‘competitor’ within the movement rather than a collective part of the movement.
As a Revolutionary Socialist I believe finding initial common ground and not immediate differences is where we should start. And I have found that in doing so we can, at least in part, start to move forward. Of course such points of difference need to be discussed, but should be done in that course of common struggle. This is easier done on specific local issues, but in the overall movement and the discussions on possible alliances it is more difficult. Decades of difference emerge within differing ideologies, not only on historical perspectives but similarly on past tactical and strategical perceived and real wrong doings. This where on many occasions all such ideologies are guilty as the ‘competition’ between such groups allow then little room for manoeuvre to acknowledge and admit wrongdoing. Such organisations I believe therefore have three choices. Firstly not to work in various aspects of common struggle with a differing organisation until all historical and present issues are addressed, if ever. Secondly to state that they will never work with such organisations in various areas due to that organisations history. At times in various ways ‘he who shall cast the first stone’ comes to mind. While thirdly to work from a common bond on specifics while discussing and debating issues of difference.
Yet this new movement I believe means such organisations need to then adapt, both in their organisational structure and more importantly in mindset as so to advance. Those that do not will and have greeted the present climate in a pessimistic light, while others who attempt to adapt, will tend to see the more favourable opportunities opening up. Of course with the economic situation, and a number of worker defeats, everything has not been rosy. Nevertheless specific movements some mass with others less so we have seen having sprung up, that have not been seen in decades. Such opportunities for the left, for Socialists, organised in party structure or not can only be advantageous. Yet the understanding of the actuality of the movements means a re defining of elements of organisation {within such groups} as so to actually engage with the movement.
This means an opening up to the movement access for discussion and debate for those involved within the movement, as a starting point. The Socialist Workers Party paper in Ireland has seemingly taken an initiative on this front, and this should be welcomed. It also means for some, beginning to attempt fraternal debate amongst those within the movements, party aligned or not. Due to the diversity of the movements those seeking ‘control’ of such will be shown up much more clearly in light than they had not seen to the same extent previous. Therefore the formation of the potential of any form of alliance should not see the undemocratic methods of old used. Of course all such organisations hold their own agendas within any such alliances. Yet if organisations have problems with others then it should be discussed fraternally, as an alliance and not pre decided by a un - elected minority. In addition minority organisations and individuals should have full say in important decisions, again without such decisions being pre implemented.
Such alliances on specific issues have to date delivered some successes. With that we have seen some other alliances now trying to bring together a range of issues and concerns for electoral - campaigning purposes. These in Britain and in Ireland where such alliances have already been set up, or are in discussion and debate to initiate. Again many of the concerns raised above had been raised in some such initiations. And unfortunately to date such concerns has as previous been articulated solely as the voices of sectarians, or that of other differing party aligned individuals. This for party interest. While this is the case to some extent, many were and are in fact genuine activists within the movement raising such concerns. Therein lays the need to adapt and work within the new movement as a new movement in a new time, with a new generation eager to learn
If not I believe such alliances cannot and will not reach their full potential but be simply a case of doing simply to do. So such potential alliances need to provide not only a democratic vehicle but also a fully participatory democratic voice for its activists and supporters. In doing so the alliance on whatever issue{s} will move forward in strength. There are many individuals, left and Socialists activists who are grafting away as there are small left and Socialist parties and organisations doing similar. Each of us can only do so much individually. Collectively though as has been shown in recent times we can begin in small ways to begin to effect some change. Change though needs to begin in many such organisations to no longer work of old as to attempt to work amongst the new
Therefore the initiation of the new paper Street Seen for me was and is a vitally important initiative within that context, this for two reasons. Firstly its initial reasoning for coming into existence, homelessness, is a growing issue in our society. Therefore any such support that can be given should be. Yet in doing that we could also attempt to extend that support into raising the issue of and supporting those that find them selves in the wider poverty trap. Secondly I believe that the Street Seen paper can be an additional vehicle for those who have found little space afforded to their voice and so being provided an avenue for that voice. Many of the left and Socialist papers are in fact closed doors, although some are seemingly attempting to take the positive and vital step of opening them up to debate and discussion. Such online sites from the Blanket to Indymedia have long since been set up on that basis. For the Street Seen network this can and is being helped via established grassroots activists, writers, networks, websites, trade unionists, and organisations that are also lending support to its different initiatives. In fact the diversity of the movement coming together and lending support to aspects of it.
Whether Ideas or Ideologies if we are participants within the movements we are all then indeed part of the movements. With that each of us can continue to attempt to win others to our understanding, yet this is made easier in that course of common struggle. This can be made even easier if such is initiated on the basis of democratic and accountable participation. And in doing so some barriers may slowly even begin to come down. And who knows previous competitors may even begin to find some sense of mutual respect and a collective sense of a possible shared alliance with others.
I posed the question from the onset ‘well what are we for’. Well I believe such collective answers can only be found through open, fully participatory and democratic debate, organisational methods and structures. Of course many will know what they are for as per their tradition. But that process of debate can, will and has found common ground and seeing extensive ‘collective understanding and actions’ while still acknowledging differences. Therefore such debate should not be feared, censored or isolated within the movement; in fact it should be a vital component of it. And if that were the case I believe we can then begin to pull in many of those parted and separate fingers of the left, Socialist organisations, parties, groups and individuals together into the clenching of a Fist For Change. It will take time, yet in this time, who knows, anything is possible if we set our minds to it.
I finish on this point of initiating campaigns and developing them into movements. Another important issue in the North is that of the water charges and again the debate and discussions on how they can be defeated is ongoing. Presently in the North there are a number of differing campaigns some party aligned, others not. With that, I have followed their campaigns and have spoken to some of their activists while being fully aware of what to expect of others. Although there is a broader trade union alliance lead by ICTU very little has been done on the ground by that said alliance. My experience of ICTU has shown that they have to be either moved into action from below. Or for campaigns to develop the situation where the ICTU feel that they cannot afford not to be involved.
After the murder of Daniel McColgan ,the young postal worker, the ICTU from a response from below where then moved to call rallies. Similarly as was done in the Anti War and Anti Racism Movements with their participation again gained, although at times some to a lesser extent that others. However both the Communities against the water tax campaign and the N. Ireland Anti poverty Network also of the alliance have been doing some work on the ground. As has the Socialist Party initiated campaign, the ISN campaign and others, all of which is to be welcomed. Yet to begin to develop such campaigns and more especially those that call for a mass non payment campaign this is going to be a long haul with hard graft on the ground.
With that, it is important that if one is to put their time and energy into such a campaign that they direct that activism at the campaign best suited for them. So after following the campaigns and speaking to activists, while having that experience of attempting to work with others in other campaigns. I have as an individual activist decided to throw my shoulder behind the Communities against the Water charges campaign, for the long haul. The CAWC non party aligned initiation has done some good work and it was the initial heard voice of the Anti Water Charges Campaign. Although I have heard less in the media of them than others it though is the campaign, I believe, that can move this issue forward into a movement. Therefore I will also be urging others for their involvement, while publicising both the issue and the campaign
Although I have been extremely busy to date, with working on my book {snippets of it to go up on the Blanket in time} as well as writing and engaging on websites and via papers etc. I nevertheless have been actively involved in a number of campaigns and projects. Yet one has to draw a line somewhere so therefore the ARN, Street Seen and the IPSC are the issues I as an individual activist am to prioritise in the coming year. Along with now my coming CAWT involvement, all of which I believe are for the long haul for me personally. Of course getting to the G8 protest and support to the Anti War Movements I will do. Yet therein it shows the diversity of the movement with many many more local issues that people are campaigning on and for.
So as stated whether it is held ideas or ideologues we are all involved in the movement. How such campaigns and movements develop and progress, it is for we the people to democratically discuss and debate. I believe that there are exciting and important times ahead and if we are to go forward we need to do so by engaging with the new. Davy Carlin
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opinion/analysis
Monday January 10, 2005 13:02
by Davy Carlin
carlindavid at hotmail dot com
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Comments (9 of 9)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Worth pointing out though that in the north the history of the position of groups mainly goes back to their position on the troubles and that any attempt to bridge the difference in thinking will be huge, for example the PUP and IRSP claim to be socialist but have major differences on fundimental questions. How should they overcome these, should they try?
I notice the reference to water charges campaigns. 3 - 4 campaigns exist, given what you have said should you not be trying to unite them. BTW the CAWT is seen as a SWP led campaign in Derry and IRSP led in Belfast so to many people it is seen as party political.
You've made it clear you're on the side of dialogue, concensus, and patient enough to go all the way and not just get sticky fingers.
have a hug (a non ideological humanity loving we're all in this together hug).
where and when can we see a copy of street seen, will it be available in dublin or is there a website? on the article theres nothing i'd disagree with. ( easier said than done though!!!) uniting the irish left will be a challenge and a half, still have to start somewhere.
By - of course we have to start at the beginning rather than at the deepest end, re - the 'PUP and IRSP working together'. In saying that, although each of their history is well documented you may be surprised how often and on how many 'specific issues' they do actually work presently.
In saying that I am not envisaging unity here by any means, but simply saying they have and do work on specifics to the betterment, they believe, of the community in which they live etc, However much persons may agree or disagree with that - that is nevertheless the case
I had wondered that if such organisations can do it then why not others. Yet as I had high lighted it is easier finding a common bond on specifics, the difficulty therein lays in moving on from specifics.
On your point of Water Charges the spokesperson in Belfast and those who had initiated the CAWT campaign are neither SWP nor IRSP. The fact though that both groups may be involved of course persons will then say that it is party affiliated.
I know that anarchists, other trade unions and many from local communities are involved in or are supportive of this campaign {including those in my local - West Belfast} as I speak to them regularly. Indeed in North Belfast some of my relatives have been active within the campaign there also.
Although quite a few of those that I have spoken to like many others will need to be convinced that something can be done due to the small attendances at meetings to date and no mobilisation. We but know from experience that such campaigns need to be worked for the long hall.
The other campaigns as opposed to the CAWT are actually party initiated. Yet again such initiatives are to also be welcomed.
As for unity of the campaigns. I have good Knowledge not only of involvement in other campaigns but also of those to the fore within them. The SP for example have experience of leading such mass Non payment campaigns before and so will attempt to replicate that. The SWP have less experience but will attempt to work within the CAWT campaign and pushing it forward. Other campaigns will do similar.
At this stage I believe that such campaigns will not be untied as some are pushing forward with their own ' controlled 'agenda while prioritising the looking over their shoulder at others. In reading a certain Political parties report on their involvement in the Water Charges on their website {as giving an International report on the North} you could clearly picture the report as seeing it as a 'Competition' with others .So sadly this inter small left party competition ascends above the vital issue of hand., still for some.
In saying that I believe as momentum grows then bigger forces will be pulled on board.. As with the Anti Sectarian, Anti War and Anti Racism rallies it was from below that it all started. So in the interim it is the building of the campaigns within communities with in the time ahead beginning to start mobilising for general marches and local events etc that needs to be done. This I believe can be done if we put our minds to it.
HS - SP - Street seen will be in its third issue soon and will also shortly be able to be read on screen - Will keep informed.
In the article I have stated that to start of - the left needs to begin to engage in open, fraternal and democratic debate. We need democratic and accountable structures within such campaigns and alliances. We also need to get away from the competition mentality - the politics of outdo. Or the going and setting up of other campaigns simply to set them up rather than work with others because you do not have 'control' etc.
If one is ideologically convinced of their position then they should not fear the larger pool of ideas. The pool is the movement - if you stand outside it to attempt your own control you then stand outside the movement - and such will be acknowledged. Pull the sleeves up -get into the heart of the movement - and put your case in the course of struggle
It is quite simple, and I have said it time again as I will re -the water charges. If such organisations wish to get involved in a campaign why not this time put the campaign first. Put the competition mentality to one side while of course still putting your traditions position within the campaign.
Those that seek to control fear debate
HS -SP uniting the left will be a challenge for us all - It will be a long term project and so we need to be begining to put in those structures now. As so to give it a chance of suceeding.
It can be done - despite that history. With deep knowledge of both - I do not believe though that the big two the SWP and SP will move any further on than on that commonality on specifics - this for quite a few years to come. Such specifics though is a good start, and can progress if such can bring themselves to break down the politic of competition.
As you say HS -SP they have to start some where in that regard- while for many others -we have in fact already started . D
can I ask a couple of things.
On the question of unity I can see your point on the basic local on local issues but I have a difficulty seeing how unity can be acheived on bigger issues such as the border. This applies not only to the IRSP and PUP but even the left parties within republicanism have huge differences of opimion, differences that have been underwritten in blood at times.
On water charges I agree with your view that it is fair to say that the sp have a long history of doing their own thing and tend to be happy with federal umberela groups such as the ICTU coalition against water charges where they arnt tied to a central policy.
I am a little suprised by your view of the swp, by your own account in the past the swp have been commited to exactly the broad policy that you are arguing for. What, if anything, has changed?
Up to my eyes but very quickly
Isn't that the big question - the border? That question like many others I am now beginning to come to my own understanding of as had been done similarly with the issue of Democratic Centralism. Therefore in the time ahead I shall write an article {as I had done with DC} on the National question and all that entails from my own understanding.
Although still a babe in arms compared to other political activists I hold many ideas in my head.
And in doing so continue to learn. Here is two recent points for example.
The first political - firstly that one needs to acknowledge mistakes as so to learn from them. This I am beginning to do as I move away from political naiveté to a growing political maturity.
The second practical- secondly with help and advice from established writers, journalists, authors and editors I am beginning to articulate my thoughts in a more concise way. Some of those advisors have said to me that if I could write as well as I could speak I would be laughing!
Yet unfortunately like many within working class estates at the height of the conflict progression in schooling was a luxury. This due not only to the realty of war but more especially to the reality of the discrimination against Catholics. Therefore education or not, you had little hope of getting a job anyway. Or the one you got usually was one that no –one else wanted. So what was the point in education many thought at that time.
But despite the criticisms I have got over time on this site from some, in mock, of not being able to articulate my thoughts properly in words. There though have been many more who have offered advice and tutor. Which I believe is paying dividends as time progresses, more especially as I work deep into my first book – while also to do a degree from home {Catch up time!}.
Therefore I have tried to learn from mistakes while also trying to practically rectify those concerns raised.
By, on the question of unity between the PUPS and the IRSP that should not be the starting point. My point was and is that they like many other such diverse groups with a similar history have begun to engage and to work in part on specifics at times, for their communities. Again on the over all unity of such groups I will go into that when I pen my article on the National question as I need to detail such in depth
Presently, and of course, such wider unity would not be forth coming. On your point of the SWP the answer is simple. The SWP are seeking a wider alliance with SP but the SP will not form such an alliance with the SWP. Peter Hadden even felt the need to write a book on the differences as to why such an alliance will not emerge. Yet when I said that the SWP and SP would not form such an alliance for a long time to come. This was tongue in cheek - as anyone with an understanding of them will know that it will be a very long time.
On your points on broad fronts and the SWP. Yes that is the case and the Belfast SWP are partaking in such, for example they are active within the ARN. The SWP are putting in the work on the ground to build the ARN and so people wanted them on the ARN steering group. In comparison the SP wanted the right simply to sit on the ARN steering group as so to make decisions for the network - this while doing nothing to build the network.
Yet although their representative stated they had no time to build the network they where of attempting to build their own campaign.
Activists though where having none of it and they where unanimously voted of the steering group after a very short while - this a year or so ago.
So yes they {SWP} have the same broad policy and, 'in larger part', the same understanding and approach as oneself as how to work within such. This as opposeed to the experiences that I had working with others.
Therefore we need to begin at the beginning as I had outlined above, and over time many but not all, may begin to forge those closer links and alliances. This while discussing many vital points of concern, including those that you had raised above. To do that though as I have stressed time and again, that those organisations that work of old need now to adapt to the new.
In effect to adapt without diluting. If they cannot even bring themselves to do that then we need to move on without them. D
Davy I can not see what your differences with the SWP are, to my mind you seem to be in broad agreement on the method of working so why the split?
On the issue of unity generally I think one point is that every group have someone that they will not contemplate working with, for instance the SWP who are prepared to reach out to a very range of groups will not have the IRSP in the SEA.
A second point on general unity is that the block on agreement on the national question is probably to big to overcome, a danger at the moment is that it is ignored as are other difficult issues and you end up with alliances that are essentially municipal/economic socialism with no agreement on issues that will pull an alliance apart in the future.
By, my differences if you wish to go through them can be found in recent articles I wrote on the ARN and previous on DC. Alternatively if you are a member of the SWP I am sure you could request the correspondences between me and the SWP leadership over the last year.
Indeed many of my practical concerns would not be insurmountable, but time will tell on that matter. As for the political -there are two important issues presently that I searching for in depth as to my own understanding. This, as I have always done if I am unsure as to their merit.
As I had said previous the Belfast SWP and I are on fraternal and good terms. Last night for example we sat on the ARN steering group together and apart from preparing a strategy for expansion for the ARN for the coming year. We indeed had fraternal and friendly chats on other issues as we had always done. I hold a lot of respect for such individual activists, but my practical differences are well recorded.
I also think, as stated, that some of the present developments within the SWP are very positive i.e. opening up the paper to debate and discussion, and I hope such developments continue..
On your point of the IRSP and SEA that is true. That point in fact had raised many questions and concerns by some at the time and there after. Yet the SWP, SP and IRSP and many others sat in room discussing and agreeing the way forward within the Anti War Coalition in the North {which was initiated by the Belfast Anti War Movement} and came together also within the Anti Racism movement for a space of time.
Again as I have stated from the onset, it is easier on specifics - but when it comes to the issue of elections etc, the SWP don't want the IRSP and the SP don’t want both of them.
Can that be rectified in the long term?
Such points I will attempt to address when I get round to the article on 'The National Question - Past, Present and what for the future'? Which I have pencilled in for my diary for the months ahead.
Finally , the point of issue of the National question is of course an issue that needs to be discussed in the course of struggle, as are many important issues. Whether one goes forth with a municipal – economic socialist programme one can only get part of the way. The history of the six counties has shown that the National question and the flags will always be used if any potential unity becomes a threat to the state or indeed to elements within.
Such pull to such a rallying call to divide such movements of unity cannot be taken in the abstract but dealt with in reality. The question of how that can attempted to be dealt with will have to take into account the history of the six counties {and before}, looking not only to the economic but to the 'deeper' political.
Fundamentally though, the politic of revolution is paramount, as is dealing with reality as the reality
I shall deal with this in time. Thanks for the one to one engagement{ by}, but back to my book as only limited time pencilled in as to finish it. Signing off D
Jesus, with having been asked bucket loads of times as to the two issues that I am to search for in depth. Well here they are
The first as stated above is the issue of the National Question and the second is on the Arab, Israeli working classes. On both these issues, I believe, some Socialist organisations positions hold real contradictions. More especially if one were to apply such logic elsewhere.
I shall deal with both of these in articles in a few months time as will need to go into in depth, so for now back to book
Hope that clears that up. Signing off.