Date: Sat, 26 Oct 1996 09:02:22 +0100
Subject: Re: M-TH: No more purges


Chris Burford wrote:
> 
> Assuming that the subscription list of m-thaxis
> is virtually identical to that of m2, I am responding here to
> the exchanges between Barkley and Richard, for both of whom
> I have a regard. In Barkley's case despite a
> mischievous sparring style, I think he has shown a track
> record of seeking detailed facts to support his claims. Most
> credible in my eyes, he is also to say when he does not know.
> 
> Barkley has accepted that all states are penetrated by
> spies from the other side, but he has IMO a case that
> the evidence Richard is highlighting at best points to the
> attitude of mind of Stalin and those aligned with him,
> rather than the objective facts. Certainly we will never
> understand what happened in the 30's without understanding
> that point of view. Demonology is not good history.
> It is not materialist history. And among other things it
> denigrates the considerable efforts and real achievements
> of millions in trying to build socialism.
> <snip>

I think that Chris is right. When talking about these events it is
important to understand the attitude of mind of people, as well as the
cronology of events, in order to fully see the context and perspective.

I think that the "Secret Documents" book is a genuine attempt to do
that. It really isn't the "hack job" that Barkley implies.

It is all too easy to get into emotive arguements where each "side"
hurls out of context "facts" at each other like hand grenades. If we can
try to understand the events of the past in a holistic way; it could
help us to resolve the divisions of the left today. A positive approach
will give us all strength.

 
Comradely,

Richard.                     
      New Worker Online http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/2853



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