Reform or revolution? A response to three intriguing questions

http://solidarity-us.org/three_questions_response/
Date Written:  2019-09-27
Publisher:  Solidarity
Year Published:  2019
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX23802

The article by Steve Downs Three questions of political strategy poses three intriguing questions: Does "democratic road to socialism" = "parliamentary road to socialism"? Does "insurrection" = "revolution"? Does "rupture" = "revolution"? Steve found these questions helpful in understanding the contending views in Solidarity and DSA over reform or revolution.

Abstract: 
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Excerpt:

If you believe that workers can come to power through elections supported by strikes and demonstrations, as many in DSA do, you’re likely to see elections as about power and attach great importance to getting elected, even if as a Democrat, and staying in office, even at the price of going along to get along.

If you believe that workers can come to power only through revolution, including mass strikes in the Rosa Luxemburg sense and workers’ councils, you’re likely to see elections as mainly a way to raise ideas and to support mass action outside the electoral arena. Running for or holding office as a Democrat would undermine the political message too much to be worthwhile.

Subject Headings

• Socialism