Pex Lives Supplemental: What is to be Done? - a podcast by pexlives@gmail.com (pexlives@gmail.com)

Kevin is joined in the Pex Lives recording bunker with friends-of-the-show Gene and Kim to begin answering the question: after the election, what is to be done?

 

 

We should not only organize on the basis of reacting to events as they transpire, but we must take the initiative and not allow them to keep us on the back foot. We will defend our existing gains by demanding more, by rejecting complacency. We need to build a movement around those demands in order to create the conditions for the new society. We should not stand for the mere restoration of liberalism, but for supplanting it. We should seek to secure not just the familiar rights, but real liberation founded on material equality. The immediate, short-term struggles must be understood in light of the long struggle. We have to demand what they cannot deliver. 

 

Amelioration is our priority, but we must not substitute reformism for reform. we have no interest in rescuing the Democratic Party from itself. We can use the party for as much as it is useful, but we must remember it is not a neutral tool, and neither is the state. These are organs of the ruling class. Their very structure presupposes rule by the capitalist class. So we must take care.

 

We don’t have all the answers. We can see the broad sweep, but We're just as disoriented as anyone. We may come across as alarmist in the podcast. We don't mean to. We think we should prepare for the worst and consider what we’d do if it came to that, but we can't tell the future, and there are reasons to be optimistic. 

 

We also don't want to get anybody killed or hurt. Assessing risk and figuring out what you can do—that’s not for us or anyone to do for you. Just remember that whatever you can contribute will be useful, and stay safe. Your local organizations will probably have better ideas than we do.

 

Oh, and one last thing: a shoutout to @PissPigGrandDad, who’s fighting for the revolution in Rojava. Solidarity with the YPG.

 

 

-Democratic Socialists of America. Join and fight.

-Politics is the Solution. Jacobin.

-Where Does the Left Go From Here? Jezebel. Particularly check out Roqayah Chamseddine's insights.

-A Blueprint for a New Party. Jacobin.

-Interview with @PissPigGranddad. Civil Defence Units.