Fulcrum (DE)

A CONSERVATIVE, AN ANARCHIST, AND A COMMUNIST TALK ABOUT GERMANY

What do a Сonservative carpenter, an Anarchist deliverer, and a Communist social worker have in common? They live and work in modern Germany — the largest economy in the European Union. We interviewed these three men to understand how their political views and professions shape their perceptions of the world, their working conditions, and the future they see for themselves and society.

In this article, you will discover:

• How do workers with opposing views on politics and society navigate their daily lives?

• How do they perceive the role of labour unions in fighting for better working conditions?

• What are their thoughts on concepts like the collective ownership of the means of production and distribution according to labour contribution?

This article is more than just an extensive research. It is an honest conversation about what it means to be a worker in Germany today, told through the clash of ideas and personal stories. If you are ready to dive into the hearts and minds of people who, despite differing beliefs, face similar challenges and hardships in modern Germany, read on.

#INCORR

GERMAN ANARCHIST ON THE LEFT MOVEMENT [1/3]

This is an excerpt of our new article about German workers. During our conversation with the Anarchist, we couldn’t help but mention the topic of the Left Movement in Germany and the collaboration between Anarchists and Communists. The discussion turned out to be interesting, and we would like to share the original part of this interview with our readers.

How would you describe your political views?

"Mainly radical left, closer to anarcho-communism."

Can you share how you came to hold these views?

"I think it all started in childhood when I began questioning authority and state structures. Most people believe that these authorities should be in place and that they must be protected, just like the state, even if it is flawed. But I thought about how state power is not always used for good. We need to ask why there is abuse of power by the government, police, soldiers who threaten other countries, invade them, and so on.

I came to believe that people should have more freedom to pursue their life goals rather than live under constant control by authorities who tell them what to do and limit their goals based on their social status. I felt it would be better if people could grow in an environment with free education that doesn’t depend on their social position, and their achievements in life shouldn’t be limited by that status.

I spent a lot of time reflecting on these ideas, and one day I met local like-minded individuals. We started thinking about creating a political group to read materials together, discuss our goals, and decide where to focus our efforts. We had different ideas: some leaned toward social-democratic views, others were closer to radical communist or anarchist ideas. But we tried to find common goals, determine why we were working together, what we wanted to achieve, and how to interact with other groups, participate in initiatives, and attend protests as a united front.The main focus was on anti-fascist and anti-capitalist activities. However, over time, disagreements and conflicts arose, and I began working on other projects that seemed more suitable to me."

Are you currently part of any political organization?

"No, I am not engaged in active politics at the moment. I decided to take a break during the pandemic to rethink my views and strengthen my mental health. Previously, political activism was quite stressful. I witnessed violence and aggression and participated in dozens of protests. Sometimes it’s important to take a pause, recover, and gain more knowledge and theoretical preparation to return to activism later."

How would you describe the current political situation in Germany? You mentioned the rise of right-wing parties, and what about the left?

"The left movement is quite weak and split up; they have almost no political power, practically nothing. Many people aren’t interested in politics and don’t strive for change. They might have opinions or views on something, but they’re not ready to fight for them or start political activism.

At the same time, fascism is growing. The rhetoric has become more aggressive, and there’s increasing violence against politicians. For example, there have been several attacks on politicians, and a few years ago, a conservative politician from the CDU was killed. He was murdered for opposing the right-wing and stating that migrants are welcome in this country. Some fascists planned his assassination, and he was shot.

This moment was a signal to many politicians that the threats are growing. However, despite this murder, conservatives and liberals have only increased their hatred toward migrants, blaming them for economic problems and other changes in the country."

Read more...

❗️RULES OF THE MARXIST STUDY CLUB❗️

☆ Purpose of the Group

The main purpose of the study group is collective reading, analysis, and discussion of Marxist literature, as well as understanding the views of the authors being studied. Active participation is encouraged: share your thoughts, ask questions, and help your comrades understand complex ideas!

☆ Work Format

Participants read the assigned literature throughout the week according to the schedule.
At the end of the week, an audio call is held to discuss the material read.
All discussions during the calls should adhere to the topic of the text and related ideas.

☆ Rules

Respect other participants, and refrain from insults, discrimination, or harassment.

It is unacceptable to express support for private ownership of land and the means of production or to express hatred based on nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

We critique ideas, not individuals!

The group meetings are not intended for imposing your personal views or beliefs. When reading and discussing an author's work, our task is to thoroughly study and analyze the perspective of that particular author. It is prohibited to replace the study of the author’s ideas with debates against the views of other participants, to criticize their understanding of the material, or to mock their difficulties. The group is a space for mutual learning and support, not for arguments and criticism.

☆ Conflict Resolution

If conflicts arise, they will be resolved democratically. Participants should clearly outline the nature of the disagreement and propose solutions. An open vote will be conducted, and the decision will be made by the majority vote of the group.

Moderators have the right to remove messages that violate the rules, issue warnings, and exclude participants for repeated violations.

By joining the group, you agree to abide by these rules. If you disagree with these principles, you are free to leave the group.

Let’s work together to create a space for studying Marxism, mutual respect, and productive communication!

KARL MARX. ÜBER DEN KOMMUNISMUS.

Der veröffentlichte Auszug aus Karl Marx' "Kritik des Gothaer Programms" enthält Erläuterungen darüber, was die erste und die höhere Phase der kommunistischen Gesellschaft gemeinsam haben und wie sie sich voneinander unterscheiden.

Wie Marx erklärt, ist für beide Phasen des Kommunismus die planmäßige Organisation der gesellschaftlichen Produktion nach Arbeitszeit gemeinsam, während der Unterschied darin besteht, dass in der Periode des Sozialismus noch Überreste des bürgerlichen Rechts bestehen bleiben und die Verteilung hauptsächlich nach der geleisteten Arbeit erfolgt.

Außerdem erfahren Sie gleich zu Beginn dieses Textes, dass der Arbeiter im Sozialismus ebenfalls gezwungen sein wird, einen Teil seiner Arbeitszeit für die Unterhaltung der gesellschaftlichen Fonds zu leisten und welche Fonds dies sein können.

https://telegra.ph/Karl-Marx-Kritik-des-Gothaer-Programms-12-03

#Fulcrum_communism #Classics_on_Communism

In diesem Teil erläutert der Autor weiterhin die Grundformen der Warenwirtschaft der Sowjetunion, insbesondere nach dem Russischen Bürgerkrieg. Gleichzeitig konzentriert sich der Aufsatz auf zwei Formen des Sozialprodukts in der Warenplanwirtschaft.

Link: https://telegra.ph/Iwan-Potapenkow-Ist-die-sowjetische-Wirtschaft-sozialistisch-oder-Aufsatz-2-Zwei-Formen-des-gesellschaftlichen-Produkts-11-28

Vorwort | Aufsatz 1| Aufsatz 2

#Sowjetische_Wirtschaft #Potapenkow

Gibt es eine sozialistische Produktionsweise, die sich von der kommunistischen unterscheidet? Wie unterscheidet sich die kommunistische Produktionsweise vom Kapitalismus? Gab es in der UdSSR nach Marx den Sozialismus als erste Phase des Kommunismus oder war es etwas völlig anderes?

Auf all diese Fragen geht Potapenkow in seinem ersten Aufsatz im Sinne von Marx‘ Kritik des Gothaer Programms ein.

Aber das ist erst der Anfang einer ernsthaften Diskussion über die sowjetische Wirtschaft. In seiner Reihe theoretischer Aufsätze werden die Gesetze und Widersprüche der sowjetischen Warenproduktionsweise erläutert. Sie werden die Grundlage für praktische Schlussfolgerungen zu den grundlegenden Zielen und Vorgaben der heutigen kommunistischen Bewegung bilden.

Link: https://telegra.ph/Iwan-Potapenkow-Ist-die-sowjetische-Wirtschaft-sozialistisch-oderAufsatz-1-Die-zwei-Phasen-der-kommunistischen-Produktionsweise-11-26

Vorwort | Aufsatz 1| Aufsatz 2

#Sowjetische_Wirtschaft #Potapenkow

Mit dieser Veröffentlichung beginnt die Übersetzung einer Reihe von Essays über die sowjetische Wirtschaft von Iwan Michailowitsch Potapenkow, einem politischen Ökonomen, der sich seit mehr als 20 Jahren mit diesem Thema beschäftigt.

Die Originale dieser Aufsätze wurden in russischer Sprache veröffentlicht, ihre theoretische Bedeutung für die gesamte internationale kommunistische Bewegung wird jedoch dadurch bestimmt, dass sie zum ersten Mal die allgemeinen Bewegungsgesetze der sowjetischen Warenproduktionsweise zeigen.

Diese Essays offenbaren die objektiven Widersprüche der sowjetischen Wirtschaft, liefern eine materialistische Erklärung aller ihrer Krisen und Paradoxien und zeigen die Grundlagen auf, die zur Perestroika und zur Wiederherstellung des Kapitalismus führten.

Link: https://telegra.ph/Iwan-Potapenkow-Ist-die-sowjetische-Wirtschaft-sozialistisch-oder-Vorwort-11-25

Vorwort | Aufsatz 1| Aufsatz 2

#Sowjetische_Wirtschaft #Potapenkow