Kicking Against the Pricks // Independent Intavenshan

:: Above: a real Marxist party ::

Introduction

Yesterday, having re-published Freney’s expose on the SWL/SWP/DSP/Resistance, Raiders of the Left Ark, I thought it only fitting that I offer some alternative ways of organising, drawing freely from David Murray’s (“David Muzengarb’s”) words of advice on how to best prevent authoritarian groups like the DSP from basically fucking-up your campaign or project… Today, re-reading David’s article, ‘How to deal with the DSP in your local coalition’ (2003), I’ve decided not to re-publish it but instead merely summarise its advice and add one or two links to other sources of anti-authoritarian organising.

[NB. The DSP typically responds to any criticisms along these lines by slanderous means, although at times their ‘savage’ rhetorical responses — as David Murray points out — may best be likened to ‘being savaged by a dead sheep’.]

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The principal goal of DSP ‘interventions’ in coalitions is to arrive, eventually, at a position of dominance, making their interventions in coalitions simply another aspect of their central task: building the party. Evidence for this dynamic may be found in the experiences of those involved in previous such coalitions/projects, from the NDP to the UWU to the SA. (The DSP is also in the habit of claiming credit for others’ work, from the anti-Hanson protests in 1998 to S11 in 2000 to M1/May Day in 2001 to the anti-war movement: but that’s another story.)

In general, then:

Be prepared

At the initial meeting/s:

:: Try to ensure that ‘independent’ activists whom you know make a point of attending. The DSP often relies upon its more inexperienced activists to carry out its orders. The presence of more experienced activists can help neutralize their authoritarian impulses.

:: Allowing DSP members to become signatories to bank accounts is a bad idea. If possible, try to ensure that such accounts have more than one signatory and that this includes independent activists of some standing.

:: The same advice applies to the establishment of mailing addresses (PO Boxes), mailing and email lists. In such circumstances, try to ensure that more than one person has access, and that such persons are independent of the DSP and their ilk.

:: Insist on their being clear lines drawn between the activities of the DSP (and its numerous affiliates/proxies) and the work of DSP members in the coalition.

:: Depending on the nature of the campaign/project you’re involved in, try to ensure that meetings are held either fortnightly or monthly (that is, not weekly). The DSP can mobilize its hundreds of members on a weekly basis, whereas most other activists have far less time available to them to engage in ‘activism’.

Ongoing

Depending on their own calculations as to to the utility of remaining in a coalition which is hostile to its main interest (the recruitment of members and the generation of funds), the DSP may leave or elect to remain. In the latter case, where possible:

:: Remain vigilant: the price of ‘democracy’ in any context.

:: Try to ensure that activities and responsibilities are rotated between members of the group.

:: In general, be mindful of the DSP’s propensity to attempt to monopolise means of communication within and between groups, stack meetings, propose speakers whose main purpose is to bolster the DSP’s position, etc..

In the event of a split

:: Little is to be gained through simply denouncing the DSP alternative.

:: Be open as to the reasons for the split and maintain friendly relations (if possible).

Winding-up

:: Groups end: unfortunately, the DSP acts like a vulture in these situations.

:: Try to ensure that whatever assets or resources the group has accumulated is disposed of in an appropriate manner, that is, try to ensure that none of the assets are used to finance DSP operations.

By way of conclusion

“There can be no question the DSP/Resistance has every right to advance their views, act around their beliefs and join campaign groups. But such organisations also have the right to expose and defend themselves against those who undermine campaigns by participating with ulterior motives and hidden agendas…

The DSP’s principles and practice of manipulation, deception and opportunism are anything but “democratic” and “socialist”.”

About @ndy

I live in Melbourne, Australia. I like anarchy. I don't like nazis. I enjoy eating pizza and drinking beer. I barrack for the greatest football team on Earth: Collingwood Magpies. The 2024 premiership's a cakewalk for the good old Collingwood.
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