>So, is/was socialism-as-we-had-it
>doomed from the start?
>Could it have been different; if yes, how?
>What should the agenda for a modern left in an ex-socialist country be NOW?
>I am sorry that these questions are stuoid, but I can't answer them myself.
>Elena
No need to apologise, Elena. They are difficult questions. This issue has been raised on the marxism-thaxis list, and you or anyone else on this list is welcome to join in on that list. I make no apology for re- stating here my belief that William Morris summed-up the issue quite well in 1890:
"Our business, I repeat, is the making of socialists, i.e., convincing people that socialism is good for them and is possible. When we have enough people of that way of thinking, *they* will find out what action is necessary for putting their principles into practice. Until we have that mass of opinion, action for a general change that will benefit the whole people is *impossible*" (Where Are We Now?, original emphases). -- Lew