Ógra SF activists urged to mobilise for congress

by anima Thu Nov 17, 2005 20:40

when are OSF going to enter into debate with people on the subject of their questionable politcs and practice? there is a lot of things which need to be clarified at the following links:
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=72861
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=72844
until then we can only assume that OSF are afraid of debate. if that is the case then they should really stop using an open publishing site. one assumed that it is for the purposes of recruiting, but if their beliefs remain unquestionable then any potential recruits should stay well away. the last thing we need is another SWP.

thanks.

by mundi Thu Nov 17, 2005 22:47

I suggest, in all honesty, and not in any way as an attempt to extol their virtues, that the activists who post these stories are probably too busy to devote any more time than it takes to write a press release to indymedia debates.

As a former Ógra activist, I am aware of their frenetic (and, sometimes methinks, overzealous) workload. Mostly SF work is based on grass roots activism, attending meetings, delivering leaflets, campaigning, postering etc., with very little time for the more leisurely, dare I say, enjoyable aspects of political activism, such as engaging in debates with other organisations and people with different perspectives. These activities are also very important from an educational and motivational standpoint.

This, needless to say, is a bad thing. Not only does it create an unwittingly introspective
organisation at times, but it also, quite simply, burns activists out.

Nevertheless, if you look at sites like politics.ie you see plenty of Shinners, which suggests that many of them are unlikely to opt for Indymedia as a serious platform for other reasons. They should, but I have often heard people complain that on this site you're more likely to elict Trot cynicism, peronalised attacks or petty squabbling than on others.

by Former Indy Addict Fri Nov 18, 2005 16:57

There's simply a better standard of debate on politics.ie. It's not a good standard, it's piss poor to be honest, but it's better than Indymedia though the latter cannot be bet for news and events.

by Guttersnipe Fri Nov 18, 2005 17:04

politics.ie is a debating society for the right and shinners with the odd sighting of the cllr preening himself all majestically.
Only seems better because it makes shinners think they are on an equal footing with the high and mighty. I'd rather be in the gutter looking at the stars.