A call to action?

It seems in the world of 'post-modernity,' of pseudo-sociology, action can be constituted by its most literal meaning; To merely act. To be in motion. To bring paper to pen. To have a box ticked after entering a polling booth.

In talking about action, I wish to fundamentally discredit such meager motions as being truly actions to benefit human beings. I will not claim 'our society' as the society we live in exists not by our devices, but by the devices of the capitalist, of the bourgeoisie. And thereby, it most definitely is not our society.

Capitalism. The dominant mode of production. The globalised system of the relations between commodity, price, production and worker - exploitation, oppression and accumulation.
Through competitive market economics, the tragic play is on view for all of us. Capitalist versus capitalist, Capitalist bloc versus Capitalist bloc, Imperialist versus imperialist and Rulers versus their subordinates, the Working Class.

Libertarians, Conservatives, the Right and the ruling Centrists (or the parliamentary Left Wing), would each have us believe that Capitalism is evolved. That it is somehow the pinnacle of human development. That it saves lives, breeds happiness and shits roses. Then in the same breath, we will be forced to work hours unnecessarily, then we lose those jobs, then we lose our homes, then we are expected to hand over our pittance for the goods we created. They would have us believe they are necessary. We need them, without them, we will have nothing...

And yet, despite this all-too-often proved truth of Capitalism, it is claimed that all one has to do is merely to vote. Yes, vote. But do not vote because it will change anything. If voting could make real change, why do we still suffer needlessly? Any party that asks for your vote has but one, and only one interest; Running Capitalism.

Some parties such as the Democratic Socialists will claim that mere legislative change will solve the problem, that by reforming capitalism, they can subdue its nature.

Before I point out why that is bullshit, I'll just name some reformist parties that had a root in the working class before becoming a fledged reformist party.
- The Labor Party and Trades Unions of the United States (pre-lincoln) became the republican party.
- The Australian Labour Party which now continues the howard legacy (though they have amended it to their own interests.)
- The Mensheviks who were some of the first non-Bolsheviks to flock to the Stalinist Dictatorship.
- The German SPD, which had a hand in the slaughter of the revolutionaries and other disagreeable persons. (Rosa Luxemburg and her collaborators namely.)
- The Communist Party, world-wide since Stalin, which Sabotaged workers revolutions everywhere from China, to Australia, to Europe to Iran, to Italy and so forth.

And no, this is not due to bad leadership. It is in the nature of reformism to pander to Capitalism. Or in the case of the State-capitalist dictatorships of China and Russia, Italy, Cuba, Venezuela etc. to create their own ruling class.

Recognise, that reformism is not equipped to create fundamental change in society, as it does not fundamentally challenge it. Those parties above had either not recognised their failings, or had from the very beginning intended to seize their own interests.

So, do not vote for change, do not rely on the legislative process of the Bourgeoisie to change society for you. It will never happen that way. Every legislation in your favour today was won through hard struggles, by the Women's Lib movement, Black rights movements, the Australian Shearers, the Trade Unions, the Peace movement against vietnam, Student movements. Each one of them pushed in the direction of socialist politics, rather, it was because of socialist political influence that those groups were able to coherently fight the battles waged.

Vote to give yourself a fighting chance. To keep the worst one out.

So what then constitutes action for the better? A fundamental challenge to Capitalism. How? Challenge its mode of production, its political system, its ability to control the dominant ideas of society. Strikes, demonstrations, propaganda.

True action is to stand up, to raise a fist and to shout, "No more!" to gather arms, and block their advance. Even more-of-the-same-Obama digs his own grave with this truth. "Hold me accountable!" he says, "Luther wouldn't vote for me!" - Luther would have protested Obama for not representing the interests of black americans, just as no other does.

Now is just as great a time to act as ever. Not by voting, but by going to your friends, neighbours, strangers and discussing the reasons why. Convince them to do the same, join a union, join a revolutionary socialist organisation. Becomne an activist and try to draw others in with you, with the right politics. Politics of empowerment, of liberation, of emancipation.

And when the time comes, raise a fist high, a red flag over your shoulder and march!

That is real action...