However, Marx, Engels, and subsequent generations of Marxist thinkers and parties considered careful study of political, social, and economic developments within all social classes, not least the bourgeoisie, to be a necessary basis for analysis. It was understood by definition that all bourgeois politicians were friends of capital - an observation which in itself is not really very interesting. But the particular strengths and weaknesses of various bourgeois leaders and parties, the interests they represented, their internal divisions, and the likely effect of their policies on domestic developments and international relations, and, ultimately, on the tactics of the workers' movement were considered to be greatly relevant.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
M and E did even more than that, they actively supported Lincoln and
the Republicans as they moved against slavery. Their communications
with ex-German radicals informed them to support the Republicans.
They believed the removal of slavery was necessary for class struggle
to reach a point necessary for anti-capitalists to be successful.
Knowing full well that the DP is a friend of capital, can't we use the DP to advance policies that will help build the strength of the working class?
Brad