From: Ben Seattle [icd@communism.org] To: marxism@lists.panix.com Subject: Political rights under workers' rule Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 10:01:35 -0700 Jim Heartfield -- June 24 >I am trying to get together a reading list for a discussion >about oppression, rights and freedom today. I am >interested in any newer texts, either critiques of formal >freedoms, or defences, or redefinitions of traditional >ideas. I am particularly interested in theoretically >demanding works. > >Any ideas? Hi Jim, You may be interested in "The Digital Fire" or chapter 8 of "How to Build the Party of the Future" (section 8d) at my site. There (and in other places) I discuss the right of workers to use the internet under the future "dictatorship of the proletariat". I say that, in a modern, stable society, everyone (even reactionaries) will be able to read and post pretty much anything they want--but that the *commercial* use of the net will be restricted. If anyone wants to promote nonsense as an individual--that will be their right. But no one will be able to *hire* an army of slick flacks to promote greasy food or greasier politics--without facing a swift and decisive reaction. And this will make *all* the difference in the world. Hence, censorship will not apply to *bourgeois views* but rather will be applied to views which are backed by *bourgeois resources*. It is a very interesting subject. I consider this subject decisive because until it is authoritatively resolved--there can be no realistic discussion of how workers' rule in the modern world will function. And without this--there can be no communst movement worthy of the name--because workers' rule is the only possible focal point for a communist movement worthy of the name. Unfortunately, with very few exceptions, the most esteemed and expert "marxists" on these lists will not touch this topic with a ten foot pole. Ben Seattle ----//-// 26.Jun.98 www.Leninism.org