As I write this, there are as yet seventeen days to go before ”election day”, that of November 3, which is the day Americans get to ”elect their next president”. Even now, it is reported that twenty two million people have already cast their ballots. Many people are being forced to wait in line, some for as long as eleven hours, while others are showing up to the polling stations as early as four hours before the stations open, in order to ensure they are able to cast a vote. The press is reporting a ”drastic increase” in the voter turn out, over double that of the last presidential election of two years ago, at this time. This despite the fact that the government, which serves the capitalists so well, has placed various obstacles in the way of people exercising their democratic right to vote. For example, in the state of Texas, the ballot boxes are limited to one per district, so that each voter is forced to drive possibly an hour each way, during working hours, in order to cast a ballot. In the state of California, numerous phoney ballot boxes are set up, so that any ballots placed in these boxes are not counted. Other states have different methods of limiting voter turn out, especially that of minority voters.
This is taking place against a background of almost two hundred twenty thousand Americans dead due to the Corona Virus, with the infection rate ”climbing”. It is anticipated that as soon as the ”second wave” hits, along with the flu virus, the ”fatality rate” will sky rocket.
Despite this, the working class movement continues to gain strength. The city of Portland continues to be a leader in the revolutionary motion. On Columbus Day, otherwise known as Indigenous Day, the people of Portland pulled down two statues, that of President Abraham Lincoln and that of President Theodore Roosevelt. This is being referred to as a ”Day of Rage”.
Those two individuals are commonly thought of as ”heroes”, hence the statues, in their honour. In fact, it was President Lincoln who ordered the execution of 38 Dakota warriors, in 1862, as a response to the Sioux uprising. This mass hanging was carried out in Mankato, Minnesota. As well, it was President Roosevelt who ordered the removal of Indigenous people from their traditional territory, in the interests of ”conservation”. The descendants of those people have not forgotten the actions of the presidential ”heroes”. Now all people are receiving a little reminder.
The reactionaries have also been very busy. A ”right wing militia group” made a supreme effort to kidnap the governor of Michigan. Apparently they planned to place her on ”trial”, as she refuses to support Trump, an act which they consider to be nothing less than ”treason”. Their plan was unsuccessful, but at least one sheriff has expressed his support for the members of the militia. And now Trump is leading the call, in reference to the governor, to ”lock her up!”
To put this in popular terms, the ”battle lines are being drawn”. The Right Wing reactionaries, also known as the various ”militia groups”, are literally preparing for war. They are determined to preserve the ”status quo”, in support of the capitalists, the billionaires, the bourgeoisie, whether they know it or not. The leaders of the ”militia” are well aware of this, while the rank and file members, those who tend to be less advanced members of the working class, are merely following along. A clear distinction should be drawn between the two.
By contrast, the progressive forces, including the tens of millions of people who are determined to vote, are focused on change. Most of them quite reasonably assume that their vote means something, as indeed it does. This is not to say that their votes will change the rule of the capitalists. With or without Trump as president, the bourgeoisie are determined to continue to rule.
The importance of the record breaking number of people who have turned out to vote, lies in the fact that, as Marx stated, it is an indication of the measure of the maturity of the working class! He went on to state that under capitalism, it cannot be anything more than that! Yet that is enough.
For that reason, it is clear that the working class, the proletariat, is now quite mature. They are doing their part, and are now preparing for war. They can go no further. The conditions of life, of the proletariat, do not lead to class awareness. That awareness can come only from an outside source, and that outside source is conscious people, most of whom are middle class intellectuals. That places a largely unwelcome burden upon the shoulders of conscious people. It is what it is!
It was Lenin who stressed the fact that ”Without a revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary motion”. He went on to state that the ”role of vanguard fighter can be fulfilled only by a party that is guided by the most advanced theory”. (italics by Lenin)
It is also true that the Marxist, or Communist movement, is by its very essence an international movement. Countless people, in numerous countries of the world, are watching the American revolution unfold. It is reasonable to expect that such people will draw inspiration from the American revolution.
There can be little doubt that we are on the eve of revolution. The forces of the two classes are ”dug in”, prepared for battle. Equally without doubt, the only question is one of the duration, the length of time of the approaching civil war. The Revolutionary War, which gave birth to the country, dragged out for seven years. The Civil War raged for four years, at the expense of many thousands of American lives. It remains to be seen just how many lives will be lost during this next revolution.
This largely depends upon the leaders, the members of the American Communist Party. As a comparison, in Russia, October of 1917, (old style calendar) the Marxists, led by Lenin, mounted an insurrection which was almost bloodless. It was carefully planned and executed. Even though the revolutionaries lacked the element of surprise, it was quite successful. Sadly, two members of the Central Committee betrayed the plans for the uprising, yet the revolutionary motion was so strong, even this act of treachery was overcome.
As yet, the American Communist Party does not exist. It must be formed, and it must then plan and execute an insurrection. Otherwise, it will very likely result in another long and drawn out civil war, with countless casualties.
Now in 2020 America, the vast majority of working people are demanding change. Those who were previously apathetic, are now politically active. Most are of the opinion that Trump can be removed from office, due to a popular vote. They are about to find out that such is not the case. In this way they will learn a valuable lesson in bourgeois democracy.
It is up to conscious people, Marxists, to use such examples, with which people are familiar, to raise the level of awareness of the working class. They watch the news. They are aware that the former Chief of Staff to Trump, recently stated that ”the depths of his dishonesty is just outstanding to me”. They are also aware that a thirty five year veteran of the Department of Justice, a distinguished prosecutor, recently resigned, due to the Attorney General. This fellow openly accused the Attorney General of having ”slavish obedience” to Trump, of being his loyal ”lapdog”. He accuses Trump of trying to turn the country into an autocracy.
Neither one of these men can be accused of being ”Leftists”, as both are bourgeois, right to the core of their being. The two are merely concerned with bourgeois democracy. This stands as a testament to the confusion within the bourgeois government. That confusion is about to intensify.
These are merely a few examples of current events, those which should be used to raise the level of awareness of the working class. Another example is the nomination of a new Supreme Court Justice, one which is receiving a great deal of coverage by the press. Make no mistake, working people are closely watching these proceedings.
As most working people do not have access to higher education, by which I mean a university degree, they are unaware of the revolutionary theories of Marx and Lenin. That education is largely limited to the bourgeois. It follows that it is up to the bourgeois, or more accurately the petty bourgeois, the middle class, to bring this awareness to the proletariat.
It is perhaps ironic that the ruling class, the billionaires, the monopoly capitalists, the bourgeoisie, are determined to keep the working class, the proletariat, in the dark, blissfully unaware of the existence of classes. Yet at the same time, they are helping to raise the level of awareness of the proletariat, by ruining the middle class, forcing so many members of that class, into the ranks of the proletariat! These former members of the middle class, now members of the working class, proletarians, are nothing less than Conscious people, aware of the revolutionary theories of Marx and Lenin!
It is to these people that I am appealing. No doubt many of you feel bitter. In return for giving a company the ”best years of your life”, you expected a little gratitude. No chance. There is no room for sentiment in the world of ”business”, which is the polite word for capitalism. People are mere tools, whether they work in production or in the field of management. When these ”tools” are no longer useful, they are discarded. You are one of the tools which has been discarded.
This is not to say that you can no longer be useful. On the contrary, you can be more useful than ever before. You can bring the class awareness to the proletariat. You are in a unique position to do this, as you can speak from experience. For that reason, working people will listen to you. Further, you will find yourself involved with people whom you can trust. It is the bourgeois who delight in ”stabbing each other in the back”. Working people are not of that nature. You may even be surprised to find that you are having fun! As a bonus, the act of overthrowing the bourgeoisie and crushing them under the Dictatorship Of the Proletariat, will provide you with a certain personal satisfaction. After all, those are the same people who ruined you. One good turn deserves another!
Another point of propaganda, which can be used to raise the level of awareness of the working class, is the fact that Trump plans to destroy the bourgeois democratic system, that which is currently in place. His plan is to challenge any state laws which interferes with the votes of the members of the Electoral College, allowing each and every Elector to vote for any person of their choice, for the offices of the presidency as well as the vice presidency, not just the candidates of the Republican Party or of the Democratic Party. This means that the candidate for president does not get to choose a ”running mate”, a candidate for the vice presidency. That is the duty of the Electors.
In fact, if Trump has his way and the Supreme Court rules in his favour, each Elector will be able to vote for any American citizen who is qualified to hold the office of president!
This could happen, and very likely will happen, as it is guaranteed in the Constitution. At least, the lawyers for Trump are prepared to make that argument before the Supreme Court, and very likely the Supreme Court will agree with them. As a result of this, it is quite possible that the Electors will be unable to agree on a candidate for president, as they need to form a majority of 270 Elector votes, for one particular candidate. In other words, we can expect a state of mass confusion, as the Electors, faithful servants of the bourgeoisie, one and all, squabble among themselves. Trump no doubt considers that this will work in his favour, as the election will then go to the House of Representatives.
In that case, it will be up to the House of Representatives to decide, by a majority vote of 26 states, in which each state has one vote. That too may not happen, the House too may not be able to agree, as the country is so deeply divided. As the members of the House will by that time realize, as a result of the anticipated Supreme Court ruling, that they do not have to choose between the two presidential candidates, that of the Democratic Party or that of the Republican Party, but can choose any American who qualifies for the office, then it is very likely that they too will be dead locked.
In such a case, on January 20, 2021, a new president will be sworn in, as provided in the Constitution, and that new president will be the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, the woman whom Trump hates more than anyone else!
It is safe to say that Trump has no respect for women, just as it is equally safe to say that Trump flies into a rage when any woman dares to defy him. The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, defies Trump on a regular basis. For that reason, Trump entertains a particular hatred for her. Yet he has decided upon a course of action which could result in placing her in the office of the presidency! It is very likely that Trump has not properly thought this through. As he does not engage in a great deal of thinking, this is not too surprising.
It is such details which can be used to drive home to the working class the differences between the two classes, the bourgeois versus the proletariat. The bourgeois are constantly plotting and scheming, setting traps for each other, and as a result, frequently step into their own traps. By contrast, the working class tends to adhere to principle.
Trump has concocted a very elaborate scheme to stay in power, one which could backfire badly. He is determined to overturn the current bourgeois method of rule, and will very likely succeed. In the process, he will create mass confusion. As a result of this confusion, it is entirely possible that the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, will be sworn in as president. That is the last thing Trump wants, as it is also quite possible that the first thing she will do, as president, is to order the arrest of Donald Trump!
This is the state of mass confusion which we can expect to encounter, immediately after the ”presidential election” of November 3, that which is a mere formality.
As all current or former members of the middle class are well aware, but are perhaps reluctant to admit, the American Empire is on the verge of collapse. Capitalism is dying. It is in its death throes. Socialism is on the horizon. No less that three separate socialist republics have already taken shape. Others will soon appear. These facts are beyond dispute. Equally without doubt, the capitalists, the bourgeoisie, are not about to accept this. They are determined to fight this, ”tooth and nail”. As reactionaries, it is their nature. The only question is that of the response of the working class, the proletariat. Given proper leaders, in the form of a Communist Party, the transition will be relatively painless. Without that leadership, it could result in a long and drawn out civil war. A bloodbath.
That is where you people come in, Conscious people, Marxists. You are needed, your help will be appreciated, and it will be rewarded. Preparations must be made for the Dictatorship Of the Proletariat, and topping the list of those preparations is the formation of a proper Communist Party. There is great danger in this, so secrecy is required. Yet there are a great many people who have managed to communicate with each other, using the internet, for their own purposes. This proves that it can be done.
Once the Party is created, it can also use the internet to raise the level of awareness of working people. Articles must be written, using current events as examples, and sent to various email addresses. Those who are politically active can be targeted, using their membership in various organizations, and that propaganda can be written at a somewhat higher level of understanding.
Bear in mind that we want to raise the level of awareness of the vast majority of working people, so with that in mind, use the technical terms, followed by the more popular terms. We all learned the alphabet in this manner, that of repetition. Do not be condescending, and under no circumstances resort to vulgarity. Use the particular, followed by the general. Feel free to put aside your prejudice against professional sports and use sports metaphors, as most working people are avid sports fans. Also, do not concern yourself with the sentiments of middle class social centrists, as by their nature, they disapprove of references to classes, and especially revolution.
Much of this work can be thought of as ”illegal”, even though it is not. Yet the government authorities can be expected to treat it as such. In addition, marches and demonstrations must be organized. Posters and banners should be carried, complete with slogans which contain class content. The best of these marches are entertaining, as has happened in the recent past, targeting politicians and government officials in their homes, restaurants, banks and places of business. The best way to educate people is by entertaining them at the same time.
A great many women are now excited, concerning the latest Supreme Court nomination, a woman who is Catholic, and probably of strong religious beliefs. The protesters are concerned that her religious beliefs will influence her legal rulings, especially as it concerns abortion. As a result of this, the ”pro choice” people are taking a clear stand, in opposition to the ”pro life” people. This could lead to a huge mistake.
Lenin made it quite clear that it is supremely difficult to start a revolution in a ”cultured” country, but far less difficult to carry it through! Without doubt, America certainly qualifies as a cultured country, as bourgeois culture permeates society. Equally without doubt, we are going to need all the help we can get in order to overthrow the bourgeoisie. The more we fight among ourselves, the less chance the revolution has of being successful.
With that in mind, I am suggesting that all working people put aside our differences, including personality conflicts, as well as personal beliefs, pro life and pro choice. We can agree to disagree. We can place principles before personalities.
There is no point in denying personalities, as they certainly exist. There is a place for them, but only after principle. We, as members of the working class, have a common enemy, the bourgeoisie. We can stand together, against this enemy, while going our separate ways, after the battle is over.
To state this in other words, perhaps more accurately, our goal is to overthrow the bourgeoisie and crush the vermin under the Dictatorship Of the Proletariat. Under that socialist republic, we can then hash out our differences, in a civilized manner. The key thing is to have respect for each other.
Too many people confuse personal animosity with class animosity. As an example, the social centrists are allies, not the enemy. We must learn to work with them. The social chauvinists are the allies of the bourgeoisie, and they are the enemy. The leaders of the various right wing militia groups are the enemies, while the rank and file members are merely misled. It is absolutely essential that we distinguish between the two. We must attack our enemies, while striving to at least neutralize those who are less than friendly towards us. With regards to the less advanced members of the working class, patience is required.
In the heat of battle, with passions flaring, actions can be taken which may later be considered to be regrettable. The same is true of words, and in fact those words may do even more damage than actions. It is best to be well prepared before hand.
To summarize, as briefly as possible:
Prepare For the Dictatorship Of the Proletariat
Gerald McIsaac Science Project 