Of course. Despite generally agreeing with socialist ideas for years, I've only recently started to educate myself beyond "give the means of production and surplus value to the people." I know a bit of the history behind the general foundation of the Soviets, but what are the real differences between say, Trotskyism and Leninism?
Realistically, not much. The divide comes down to old historical battles that don't have much baring on today, while I am a Trot, it comes down to avoiding the challenging legacy of China and the Soviet Union, Trotskyists tend to be more critical of past socialist states, mainly around questions regarding the place of democracy in the socialist state. Trotskyist also tend to put more of an emphasis on international cooperation, which isn't to say MLs don't, but the writings of Trotsky expand these ideas. Also Trotskyists can't stop printing newspapers, we just, never stop printing newspapers.
I see - well, considering I am fairly critical (though, I do have sympathies with them) of past states, and am currently dreaming of starting my own online paper... maybe I have more in common with Trotskyism than I thought!
https://www.marxist.com/join-us.htm keep us in mind if you ever want to think about joining an organization, our numbers are growing and our future looks bright, and we are especially newbie friendly, most meetings are discussing theory and "raising the amateur to the level of professional revolutionary" as Lenin put it. Branch meetings are a great place to join a reading group and to continue a solid Marxist education.
Of course. Despite generally agreeing with socialist ideas for years, I've only recently started to educate myself beyond "give the means of production and surplus value to the people." I know a bit of the history behind the general foundation of the Soviets, but what are the real differences between say, Trotskyism and Leninism?
Realistically, not much. The divide comes down to old historical battles that don't have much baring on today, while I am a Trot, it comes down to avoiding the challenging legacy of China and the Soviet Union, Trotskyists tend to be more critical of past socialist states, mainly around questions regarding the place of democracy in the socialist state. Trotskyist also tend to put more of an emphasis on international cooperation, which isn't to say MLs don't, but the writings of Trotsky expand these ideas. Also Trotskyists can't stop printing newspapers, we just, never stop printing newspapers.
I see - well, considering I am fairly critical (though, I do have sympathies with them) of past states, and am currently dreaming of starting my own online paper... maybe I have more in common with Trotskyism than I thought!
https://www.marxist.com/join-us.htm keep us in mind if you ever want to think about joining an organization, our numbers are growing and our future looks bright, and we are especially newbie friendly, most meetings are discussing theory and "raising the amateur to the level of professional revolutionary" as Lenin put it. Branch meetings are a great place to join a reading group and to continue a solid Marxist education.