“Dead end left wing sects”, even really bad ones, are the only places that have carried on socialist cultural practices, theory, and tactics into the 21st century. Where, on the other hand, is the new left, structurally? Academic theory textbooks, autobiographies, grad students

As a product of the “new left” as an academic product I don’t have too many complaints (I have a job), but I can speak very authoritatively of the uselessness of most of us politically.

It wasn’t until I investigated and became involved in the old left that I found my legs and saw what I could contribute both in body and brain

It was in the old left I learned about practical application of my skills to trade union work, creating non-sectarian spaces and orgs, etc. stuff that I never read about in books theorizing New Social Movements or the death of Marxism

Now things are much different I suppose. There’s a whole generation now who grew up in small old left formations who I think are already disillusioned. But for me it’s the exact opposite. I hope to never stop learning from my older comrades.

Socialist orgs, especially those outside social democratic parties are time machines. They carry our culture and practices into the future in a way no one book or person can. They are mandatory.