I haven’t posted about this yet, but I quit Communist Party USA in mid-November 2023. Since quitting, I’ve been focused on getting several major health issues treated, building the Flint chapter of the Michigan Mutual Aid Coalition (MIMAC), and in addition to our mutual aid work, trying to build the basis of an educational program...Read More “Why I Left The CPUSA” »
I have been thinking of joining a party recently to at minimum add an extra member to help build numbers (which matters if a party wants to be seen by normies as "legitimate" and give options). And would hope to further meet more real leftists IRL and help out in whatever ways I can. Has been down to basically CPUSA and PSL. But seeing the CPUSA feeling the need to follow the Dems after the Trump shooting thing (they could have just posted nothing and it would have at least kept some face in the matter). And after the recent purging of a whole chapter for the crime of quietly and without any big show leaving the panel from the Israel party. Along with the added condemnation of that chapter for being out trying to help people and the moment.
It seems that the CPUSA has forgotten that there can't be a revolution if we just play by the rules made up (and always changed to benefit keeping out third parties) by the two "allowed" parties. Mutual aid and showing deep solidarity with real struggling working and poor people is how we both teach what we really are and about. It is how we learn what does and doesn't work and how to adapt our efforts in waking people up to the lies. And it is most importantly how we keep our humanity.
Currently it seems that PSL is likely where I will apply for membership. I just need to commit myself to reading their provided information first as I don't want to waste their or my time applying without knowing the party and programs. Just sad to see that the oldest communist party in the US fall into the same regressions that the USSR lost their way in by allowing the capitalists to dictate what is and isn't acceptable. And the CPUSA hasn't even had the benefit of being in power. At least the USSR actually had a revolution and made giant leaps for humanity and the people.
When choosing an organization, I recommend going to lefty events and making some contacts there, including asking if there are ways to help out. You can effectively do a "test run" if being in an org by helping with one of their actions, often a front group. For example, ANSWER will give you a sense for PSL. It can be hard to know which org to join without already being in one, but this helps with that.
That makes sense, and I do like how it is a two-way street. I can get a feel for them and they can do the same. Thanks!
Of course! And don't hesitate to ask questions here if you think vibes might be off. Sometimes things are normal lefty organizing but still a surprise (e.g. a construction crit session) and sometimes they are a red flag (a not constructive crit session).
I'm glad you're looking to join an org! When we organize, we win!