En Passant

I joined the socialist youth organisation Resistance and the Socialist Workers Party in 1988 and was active as a full-time organiser for many years. I came to the conclusion in 2006 that the old DSP/SWP had taken a liquidationist turn (masked as Socialist Alliance).

Together with some other comrades in Melbourne we left and formed the Marxist Solidarity Network (later Direct Action). Throughout this period we often prioritised Latin American solidarity work as one of the few viable options for practical work for our small group. In addition, a number of us had been politically formed and inspired by the revolutionary movements of Latin America. This is a continuing source of inspiration and a central part of my political history. I will continue to support the Cuban revolution and am no less inspired by the example and political thinking of Che Guevara.

In fact it is his thinking that is uppermost in my decision to join Socialist Alternative and I encourage others to do likewise. Che’s most fundamental legacy is to remind us that it is our duty to make the revolution wherever we are. The point of solidarity work – which I aim to continue to do – is to support other struggles but not to hide behind them. The most important thing a revolutionary can do for the world revolution is to build their own revolutionary movement.

I am joining Socialist Alternative because of the role they are playing in Australia. How we see Cuba or the Latin American revolution developing can be discussed over time and patiently.

Revolutionary politics is always about learning, discussion and being open to new ideas to work out the best course of action. With this approach we can work towards a more united and clear revolutionary left in Australia.

First published in Socialist Alternative.