e-Marxist Study Group?

[Puddies]

Would there be interest in having an online study group for works by Marx, Lenin, Connolly, Stalin, Mao, Trotsky etc.? I think it would be feasible to have assigned readings and then perhaps set a time to have voice or messenger conferences so we can help each other out in grasping the concepts. I know from experience that its extremely hard to break into Marxism on your own without the support of some kind of collective.

The Manifesto of the Communist Party would seem like a logical place to start.

Please post if you're interested or have suggestions.

[Puddies]

By the way this is directed at anyone and everyone, not just the Irps.

[KillinSnakes]

I'd love to.

A few of us - myself, quirk, redflag32 and others did this once and I felt it was a valuable experience.

BE THERE OR BE A KULAK!

[Vox Populi]

I'm in.

[quirk]

I'd love to.

A few of us - myself, quirk, redflag32 and others did this once and I felt it was a valuable experience.

BE THERE OR BE A KULAK!

Although after a great beginning that one came to a halt. I believe the reason was that we were examining a work on which there was very little disagreement. I would be up for it any way although it would make for better discussion if the work was controversial in my opinion. I also wonder would messenger be the best place as it might be difficult to get people on at the same time and therefore maybe just a study group here would be best.

Marxists.org have a study guide for the Communist Manifesto here (http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/guide.htm) if that is what people choose.

It also might be interesting to involve some who totally disagree with Marxism as long as they make constructive criticisms as the best criticisms of something in many cases comes from those who oppose it.

[Puddies]

Although after a great beginning that one came to a halt. I believe the reason was that we were examining a work on which there was very little disagreement. I would be up for it any way although it would make for better discussion if the work was controversial in my opinion. I also wonder would messenger be the best place as it might be difficult to get people on at the same time and therefore maybe just a study group here would be best.

Marxists.org have a study guide for the Communist Manifesto here (http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/guide.htm) if that is what people choose.

It also might be interesting to involve some who totally disagree with Marxism as long as they make constructive criticisms as the best criticisms of something in many cases comes from those who oppose it.Good ideas, it would make sense to just put some sticky threads here so those who now consider themselves non-Marxists can check it out for themselves. Some criticism/self-criticism would be nice to see.

[quirk]

A sticky thread would be a good idea. I also think if people were told to put forward nominations for what we should study and then there could be a vote on it.

[Puddies]

It appears as if I don't have the ability to stick the thread...

[redflag32]

Great idea,we have a place specifically for this over on the starry plough initiative,thats how important we thought it was.

[Puddies]

Ok well I think this is a good start, are there any nominations for what to start with?

[KillinSnakes]

Ok well I think this is a good start, are there any nominations for what to start with?

As quirk noted, Left Wing Communism wasn't a good enough discussion since we all were on the same page...

so what's something mildly divisive? I"m not a Maoist, but I know several comrades here are, so maybe we could try a Maoist (or critique of Maoism) text?

[Puddies]

As quirk noted, Left Wing Communism wasn't a good enough discussion since we all were on the same page...

so what's something mildly divisive? I"m not a Maoist, but I know several comrades here are, so maybe we could try a Maoist (or critique of Maoism) text?I was hoping that maybe some other members of the forum would take it upon themselves to take a peek at our commentaries, but I guess realistically not many would take the time.

I've got no problem with Mao.

[Vox Populi]

We could try Lin Biao's Long Live the Victory of People’s War!. Some Maoist organisations use it as their basis for the argument that just as the guerrillas surround the city from the countryside, the Third World will surround the First World on the basis of Peoples' War.

Perhaps even the Ta Power Document which takes a lot of inspiration from Mao's On Correcting Mistaken Ideas in the Party concerning Party-Army relationships.

[KillinSnakes]

Either one of those gets my vote.

[Vox Populi]

No bother. Shall we nominate a facilitator also?

[Puddies]

I really like the idea of the Ta Power document considering that this is an Irish Republican-themed forum and would be more likely to attract other members. I haven't read Lin Biao's work but have seen the brief summary videos that are on youtube which I thought were great, maybe that would be a good follow up to Ta Power so we can better understand how the struggle in Ireland fits into the big picture.

[quirk]

Yeah I vote for the Ta Power document as well.

[KillinSnakes]

No bother. Shall we nominate a facilitator also?

I nominate Vox.

[Puddies]

I nominate Vox.Seconded.