Re. Jules comments
Many people would say the roots of Stalinism are found in Lenin's work
such as 'State and Revolution'. But let's not go there. We can agree
to disagree about Lenin and Stalin, and obviously there are different
schools of thought.
Of course, we need both theory and action. Everyone should agree on
that! I am interested that you argue that people are co-opted by the
state and bureaucracy. In my view, if you work with the state and
bureaucracy, you have the chance of changing things. You also risk
dilution and submergence of course. I would argue that people like Judy
Heuman and Paul Miller and their many disabled colleagues in the US have
made a huge difference to disabled people's lives by taking up
leadership positions within government and the state. But we still need
people outside developing indedendent critique and mobilising on the
streets!
"DAN has its problems, but please don't attack those elements of the
movement which are still doing something."
Many people in the movement are doing many things. The Direct Action
Network does not have the monopoly on action. We need constructive
debate on all the things we are doing. I would like to see a
constructive debate on DAN's strategy. In my view, it seems to have
lost its way since the undoubted achievements of the early days. I hope
I am wrong in that view.
It is easy to slag off people who do theoretical work, and argue that
only action can make a difference. At the risk of misappropriating Mao,
this sounds a rather Maoist approach!
Many people who do theoretical work also work in local organisations or
contribute in other ways to make the world a better place for disabled
people! In my experience disability academics are much more engaged in
grassroots politics than many other academics, and that's how it should
be. Yet it is fashionable to disparage academic work. What a shame.
Of course, Liz, every social movement has its problems. The disability
movement is no different. That's why we need constructive criticism and
debate on lists like this one. I am sorry you think that to offer a
challenge to particular activities or positions is the same as slagging
the movement off. If the movement is to grow and survive, I would say
that openness, and willingness to debate are critical factors.
Tom
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