Comments on a recent interview  with one of the leaders of the American Socialist Party
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1) In a recent OpEDNews article, at:
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Michael Bonanno (MB) shared with us an interesting interview with Mimi Soltysik (MS), an American Socialist Party leader from Los Angeles. What follows is a set of comments on statements made by MS.
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2) MB asked: "Do you think an unwarranted fear of "communism" is the biggest hurdle you have to overcome? Or just the word Socialism?"
MS answered: "Maybe the perceived correlation between Socialism and Stalinism. However, the further removed the general public is from the Cold War, it would make sense that Socialism would be discussed in a context that has less and less to do with Stalinism." I think that this is a mistake. Â Marx would not miss an opportunity to analyze the Soviet Union, to identify mistakes and to suggest what American socialists must do to avoid making similar mistakes. Ignoring available experimental results would not be acceptable him.
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3) Responding to another question, MS said: "I do believe that people are fed up with corporate politics. They're fed up, they're tired and they're angry. We need to unify and fight. The time for concession is over. Fat cats have had fun at the expense of the working class for way too long and I think people will gradually become more amenable to what Socialism has to offer." Why is the party program not even mentioned, aside from calling for the removal of "fat cats." Yes, it is easier to be critical than to be constructive.
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Later on MS. added "I think we know why many connect Socialism to Stalinism and it's time to let that connection die. It's an absurd connection." I disagree; such connections are natural. Â We know that the word "socialist" was part of the name of a large country--the USSR. Saying that there is no connection is not enough. What is needed is a program based on serious analysis of Soviet mistakes and Soviet crimes.
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