The anti-war movement is at the crossroads. Will it become a revolutionary movement fighting to sweep away the capitalist system, or will it become a reformist movement merely seeking to pressure bourgeois politicians? Reformist misleaders will seek to distract and divert the movement from any truly effective action against the system, into impotent hand wringing and pleas for peace. It is vital that revolutionary leadership win out and oust the reformists, so as to guide the oppressed masses along the path to revolution.
The anti-war movement has already displayed impressive strength and the ability to mobilize large numbers of people for demonstrations. The largest so far was the April 20 demonstration in Washington, D. C., but there have been many smaller actions throughout the nation. Especially notable was the recent blockade of the federal building in San Francisco on October 11. The rapidly developing movement has already progressed from purely peaceful, legal demonstrations to the second stage of non-violent civil disobedience. But the reformist misleaders are incapable of moving forward from there. Indeed, they will look for any excuse to retreat even from that. Only revolutionary leadership can guide the masses on to the next level, armed self-defense against police state terror, and ultimately onward to worldwide socialist revolution.
It is necessary to break with both the Republicans and the Democrats, the twin parties of capitalism. Although some Democratic politicians may posture left and oppose the war, they do this with the purpose of containing the movement within channels acceptable to the ruling class. Much the same applies to the Greens, which is merely a leftist reformist party. Although critical support may be given to the Greens under some circumstances, we should never forget the experience of the European Greens. Whenever they get in power, as in the SPD-Green colaition in Germany, they promptly sell out their working class base to their capitalist masters.
An effective anti-war movement must seek to mobilize the working class to militant action against the war, including general strikes, political strikes, and militant mass demonstrations. For a general political strike against the war! Resistance in all forms and in every strata of society, including within the military itself, must be encouraged and assisted whenever ossible. The success of the armed insurrection to overthrow capitalism is dependent upon the revolutionary fraternization of the workers and soldiers-- winning the rank and file of the military over to the side of the masses in revolt.
Down with fascist pigs! All power to the working class! Long live the worldwide socialist revolution!
Original: Revolution or reform?