this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2024
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This is because "the left" tries to unite groups that ultimately are at odds with each other. Anarchists of all types work very well with each other usually, but not with Auth left because they have bad praxis and care about being in control of the movement. Likewise it's difficult to align with social democrats who think electoralism and reformism is a solution and stifle direct action.
Likewise Auth left and social democrats tend to infight, even within themselves, because their hierarchical praxis causes power play friction.
I take great offense in you saying that tankies and socdems infight, lol. (I mean, I get it, they are both statists, but I feel on a emotional level most socdems feel more for anarchism than for leninism.)
Well if meant to in the context of the occasional big tent movements. I don't think most socdems think much about anarchists at all except when it comes time to scold us for not voting.
Was under the impression that most anarchists are aware that voting is still important. like it or not, we are still citizens of some state for the time being, but we can use that to promote useful change or to exercise damage control, as part of the overall praxis arsenal. especially with some organization within your local groups, it can be a good tool.
We are, surprisingly enough, not very unified on that point. I used to be a non-voter, annoyed at the anarchists that would harangue me to vote. Now I'm a grudging voter, annoyed at the anarchists that harangue me *not* to vote. xD
Both then and now, I maintain that anarchists should either vote or not, and then shut the hell up about it. The whole argument is just a lot of pointless bikeshedding about the most marginal effects.
I think there's a lot more agreement among anarchists that we shouldn't get involved in or donate to electoral campaigns. We have better things to do with our time and resources.
I disagree. Voting is a waste of time at best, and actively reinforcing the system at worst..
You've made plenty of good points throughout the article about the problems with the system. I don't see why that can't be your answer. There's no contradiction in acknowledging major problems and still exerting what little influence you do have.
How does that logic follow? Assuming you both have the same values and are trying to achieve the same thing, then a solution that works for one person will work just as well for another. The difference in opinions is on which solution will work, not on what you're trying to achieve.
I just disagree this is any sort of influence instead of a palliative.
You are quoting a rhetorical question. The point I'm making here is that if someone isn't an anarchist and therefore doesn't do direct action, then seeing even anarchists take part in elections, reinforces to them the idea that elections work well enough.
This post borders on sovcit levels of delusion.
well what's important is that you get to feel smugly superior.