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In All Seriousness: PSL or Greens?
(hexbear.net)
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I understand where you're coming from, but I should highlight that branches of the PSL do participate in local struggles, I can even speak for local struggles here where we've made headway; and a huge part of the PSL's notoriety at this point is due to various branch's participation in and headlining of local pro-Palestinian struggle. However, I should share that being on the ground itself the presidential campaign has been a great way to connect with people outside of "radical circles", even ignoring the organizational and strategic benefits that it's brought.
By running a campaign which shows how bankrupt both candidates are, we're not only clearing the way for future growth (ala the periods of major upheavel between the two parties like the rise of the Populist Party) but also highlighting to regular working people how our system has fundamental contradictions with common sense humanity and how it needs to be corrected. People really aren't stupid, they're able to see when they're being played, and this campaign and what it ultimately highlights as the solution is effective for just those people who realize they're being played. This is outreach to the majority of people, with the benefit of spurring discussion among people who would be amenable to working with or within a well organized party structure.
If you're interested in more justifications for this policy by the party, an article is available here on Liberation School. I think ultimately even if we end up disagreeing on this, the results will show for themselves whether this contributed towards building a nationwide anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist party and movement in the United States.
Oh, okay, good to know about the local campaigns! That's really my only critique, I don't really see a big problem running a Presidential campaign if they're also doing local campaigns. I've asked about this before but no one responded so I figured it wasn't happening. So, they are running for local offices too?
Also, just out of curiosity if you happen to know, is PSL doing outreach for the Presidential campaign outside of areas with current chapters or only in areas where there is a current chapter?
Thanks again for your responses! It does help but sorry for the questions. (I did read the article but what you said was more convincing.)