Even accepting your interpretation of what Withrow said, lots of members of the working class hold these views. Is this how you deal with anyone who expresses an opinion that is or could be interpreted to be inherently backward? How will we make a revolution if you cannot engage those folks in a conversation in which we can discuss the meaning of their views and what you think is wrong with them? You are so quick to label and condemn, so judgmental, intemperate and emotional in your reaction that it is almost inevitable that you will provoke an equally emotional response -- which then degenerates into tit-for-tat exchanges of insults and sacrasm (of which you are admittedly an accomplished practitioner). I say this not to put you down or to provoke a defensive reaction, but in hopes that you will accept these comments as comradely criticism from one who considers many of your contributions to the list to be engaging, invaluable and enlightening.
In solidarity, Michael E.
At 07:07 PM 8/23/1998 -0400, Louis Proyect wrote:
>Frances Bolton:
>>But I don't think those comments make it appropriate to
>>call him a racist and a reactionary.
>
>When Withrow says, "There are plenty of places to get a free meal," he is
>spouting Reaganite bullshit propaganda. It is the same thing as saying that
>anybody can get a job if they look hard enough. It is the same thing as
>saying that if you study hard, you can succeed. That you can not detect
>reactionary bullshit is your problem, not mine. As far as PEN-L is
>concerned, I have no idea what viciousness you are referring to. Mine? If
>you think so, take it up with Michael Perelman.
>
>
>
>
>Louis Proyect
>(http://www.panix.com/~lnp3/marxism.html)
>
>