>I am interested in Tom's reference to loss of historical continuity. I
think the left needs a theory of historical continuity in part formulated in
concepts of "generations" "generational consciousness" and generational
consciousness gaps and losses. In other words, the ruling class gets a fresh
start of a sort with the passing of each generation of the working class,
especially when the ruling c
>lass succeeds in destroying the most class conscious and "memory
preserving" sections of the working class, its parties, intellectuals etc.
Since the working class of a given generation comes to class and socialist
consciousness mainly by experience in class struggle and not by reading
books and discussion, if it does not reach a critical "mass" of
consciousness and make the revolution while alive
>, there is a start from scratch to an extent with each generation. The U.S.
mind control system has as an essential feature instilling anti-historical
thinking or "disposable memory" ( "exist!
>ential consciousness")in the population exactly so it cannot accumulate
experience and reach a critical level of consciousness.
>
>If anything, Micheal Moore's work helps to counter this critical amnesia of
the many, and in the main mass media.
>
>Charles Brown
I highly recommend some of the work of Jerry Lembke on the issue of generational transmission of class values. Check out: "Labor History's 'Synthesis Debate': Sociological Interventions," Science & Society, Vol. 59, No. 2, Summer 1995, 137-173. "Why 50 Years? Working-Class formation and Long Economic Cycles," Science & Society, Vol. 55, No. 4, Winter 1991-92, 417-445.
In solidarity, Michael E.