RESPONSE TO THE ARTICLE: CRITIQUE OF OL'S OPPORTUNISM

In this paper Red Dawn correctly points out the necessity of making an ideological break with revisionism by bringing the science of Marxism-Leninism to the working class. It condemns the incorrect practices of OL and other opportunist groups as holding back the development of the class. The consolidation of these forces RD clearly sees as a victory for the bourgeoisie. Red Dawn pinpoints two key problems with opportunism: its belittling of theory and its tailing the mass movement. However, the fundamental source of opportunism, which is rooted in the class relations of society, and is basically ideological in character is not referred to. This problem in the analysis of Red Dawn holds back their conceptualization and struggle with opportunism. 

We will speak to this problem using the four step method as developed in Mao's Oppose Stereotyped Party Writing.

Observing The Problem: 

We see in our practice and observe in the practice of Red Dawn as developed in RD 1, that throughout the left, organizations are dominated by opportunistic elements who are using the class struggle to further their own self interest. By tailing the class and putting out only what sells, these groups are holding back the development of the class and securing a position of social power by which to concretely maintain the relations of domination and subordination in the midst of revolutionary organization. They represent obstacles to the development of the working class. 

In the Twin Cities we have seen opportunism expressed as the difference between saying and doing. Many left individuals and groups verbally support the working class, but in reality their practice reveals concern only for themselves: gaining recruits, publicity or position. Internally these groups are a mockery of Marxism-Leninism as bourgeois competition thrives - those most prepared by their dominant position in the relations of production take over leadership, those who come from a subordinate position wind up on the bottom again -- doing the shit work, being used and getting no development. 

The practice of RD in the Worker's Congress (WC), as put forward in RD 1, speaks to the destruction of revolutionary organization by those intent on maximizing their bourgeois self interest at the expense of the exploited and oppressed. The "Critique" contains many examples of OL's opportunism and connects this opportunist character with the influence of the petite bourgeois and labor aristocracy. This influence undeniably exists but to indicate this as the primary basis for opportunism is not scientific. Dialectical and historical materialism teaches us that external are conditions of change and internal are the basis of change. If we are to pinpoint the ideological essence of opportunism we must look to the internal basis in revolutionary organization.

[continued in the attached document]

Red Dawn Issue 1 in the "Encyclopedia of Anti-Revisionism On-Line"

Critique of OL’s Opportunism in "Encyclopedia of Anti-Revisionism On-Line"