PSL and ANSWER are notorious for co-opting organically created mass struggles; they routinely insert themselves into events related to the fights of oppressed peoples, and make their brand excessively visible so that they can gain in fundraising and recruitment. This is an observation I’ve heard from former PSL members who’ve become disillusioned with the org’s lack of willingness to do anything more than what’s necessary for maintaining its own business model; as has become the default for mainstream leftist orgs in the USA, PSL and its leader Brian Becker seek to organize for its own sake. Which amounts to a practice of opportunism.
I'm not American, but the work I've seen from the PSL on Breakthrough News is very high quality. They always have good takes, bring new content to light, and have great guests. I don't know much about their work on the ground. They didn't cower when Russia invaded Ukraine, like so many leftist groups, so that says a lot about them. I'm sure they're not perfect, but no party or organization will ever be.
Communists are used to deal with attacks from the right and center, but there is also space to spread dissent and suspicion from the left. It's not uncommon here in Europe, for some enlightened leftists to critique communist parties and countries from a leftist perspective. When they get enough traction they even manage to form parties like SYRIZA, Podemos and Left Bloc. Always beware of these types of critiques coming from "leftists".
I'm not American, but the work I've seen from the PSL on Breakthrough News is very high quality. They always have good takes, bring new content to light, and have great guests. I don't know much about their work on the ground. They didn't cower when Russia invaded Ukraine, like so many leftist groups, so that says a lot about them. I'm sure they're not perfect, but no party or organization will ever be.
Communists are used to deal with attacks from the right and center, but there is also space to spread dissent and suspicion from the left. It's not uncommon here in Europe, for some enlightened leftists to critique communist parties and countries from a leftist perspective. When they get enough traction they even manage to form parties like SYRIZA, Podemos and Left Bloc. Always beware of these types of critiques coming from "leftists".
Good points!