1. Thanks for the invite to
1. Thanks for the invite to join the SPGB but warning me I may fail the entrance test. Is the maths question at Login part of the test as if it is I’m becoming optomistic? Your test does appear elitist and demostrates a proscriptive view which even the sects don’t have. What happens if a member detracts from the part line to the point that if they were new and applying to join they would not be permitted membership? Suspension until they renounce reformist leanings? Expulsion?
2. Invective? Yes – in response to the provocative responses I am getting from the official site of an organisation. I suggest a course in written communication and public relations skills for your officers. I will however explain my seemingly contradictory comment. The SPGB blue print of a socialist world is an exciting vision but you need to put far more flesh on the bones to sound realistic, otherwise it can appear utopian. This is not a new critism to you as it’s been levelled at the SPGB for decades.
3. Returning to TUSC. This is an alliance and comming together of organisations and independent people within a democratic, federalist organisation. These organisations and people share a vision of the need to replace capitalism with a socialist type society. There is not 100% agreement on everything, which is why it is an alliance, aiming to put a common front and stop socialists fighting eachother at elections. TUSC is new and stood over 140 candidates in the May local elections, reaching a far wider audience than the SPGB did or could. Results for TUSC were mixed but some candidates received over 30% of the vote cast, so that’s an encouraging start. TUSC AND the SPGB were at the mercy of the objective situation: being squeezed by Labour, as many voted against the Con-Dems and saw Labour as the best bet to give Cameron and Clegg a bloody nose.
4. I wouldn’t worry about Bob Crow, he does not run TUSC. But why so hostile to him? He is a great trade union fighter, who got the RMT to reject Labour, dabbled and rejected the SLP, no fan of the SWP and alike but sees that sectarianism and division plays into the hands of the Con-Dems, Labour and the ruling class. I and others would find fault with some of his views and the fact he draws a salary which is above the members he represents. TUSC members and especially the Socialist Party (CWI) stand canidates on the average wage of workers, with the rest given back to the movement and audited. They currently have two Irish MEPs who do precisely that. I’m unaware of the SPGB view on workers representative salaries, so maybe someone could advise, as it’s an important issue in preventing careerists getting on board.