Although everybody wants to build a more democratic socialist project in the next effort, Kovel does not address one of the main lessons/problems of what he calls the first epoch of socialism: how do you keep capitalism from annihilating your socialist effort without a centralized socialist system ? He speaks as if the capitalist ruling class will just sit back and allow a fair contest between socialism and capitalism. Absent from his discussion is the world historic viciousness and murderousness of the bourgeois in there response to socialist projects. Ecological consciousness is important, but does not address this central issue from the first socialist epoch.
CB
>>> Doug Henwood <dhenwood at panix.com> 02/15/00 04:35PM >>>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 12:26:42 -0500
From: joel kovel <jkovel at prodigy.net>
jkovel at prodigy.net
TO THE GREENS #3
Toward Ecosocialism
The response to my last communication, "Beyond Populism," was substantial and gratifying. It kicked off a lively debate that is still swirling as of this writing--which is the source of gratification. We may--given the limits of our knowledge, must--differ in many ways. But one principle should be held by all: long live debate! There may be no absolute truths, but there is a moving toward the truth in spirited dialogue and argumentation. So in that very same spirit, let me take the next step in the reasoning. Unfortunately, the sheer number of reactions to the previous pieces makes it impossible to respond individually to the many issues raised. I will, however, try to incorporate some of the themes in what follows. As some of you know, I have been at work on a book, THE ENEMY OF NATURE, in which these matters will be addressed in some detail. I'll also try to respond in further communications raised by these issues, although as I am setting off on a speaking tour this week, it will be difficult to do justice to their many-sidedness. Bearing in mind these limits, here is an outline of what I see as going beyond populism.
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