Date: 	 Tue, 02 Jun 1998 21:59:24 -0700
From: 	 Juan Rafael Fajardo [fajardos@ix.netcom.com]
To: 	 marxism@lists.panix.com
Subject: Re: The core of the working class program

On 2 June 1998 Ben Seattle wrote:

> I think there are many misconceptions about what such a system of
> workers rule would be like. These misconceptions arise, in my opinion,
> from the view that the measures of repression and one-party rule (which
> were an unfortunate necessity in Russian conditions while Lenin was
> alive) would be appropriate in a modern stable society.

They also may arise from the misconception that one-party rule was a
"necessity" while Lenin was alive.  In fact it was viewed as neither
desirable nor necessary that the Bolsheviks have total control of the
government.  The RSDLP(b) ended up in sole possession of the government
because other workers parties *declined* to participate although their
relative strength in the national assembly --the Soviet-- entitled them
to help form a government.  It happened, but it was in no way
"necessary" or part of the Bolshevik program for government.

Juan