Should I join the American Communist Party?

Question

I realize that its a lost cause. But I do support China. And the way I see it, America is so corrupt and decadent, that if I try to change things "inside the system", I'll either lose out to people more cruel than me, or become so evil myself that I won't stand for anything.

Better to be a man of good character fighting for a lost cause than a successful goon. Look at all of history's heroes with the exception of militrary men like Napoleon, none of them played inside the sytem even when thier cause seemed dire and hopeless.

I'm not looking for a history lesson here. I know the "Dirty little secrets" of communism, like the back of my hand. But I support the communist Part of china. What I'm looking for is philsophical feedback on what is a better life spent. Fighting inside the system hoping to work your way up and make a difference or fighting outside the system for a "pure and noble" cause with no chance of victory?

The CPUSA is the ONLY party that supports the government in China.

Answer 1

A. By all means yes...but you might as well learn the "lindy" and dust off the Gershwin if you're really going to adopt the fashion.

B. If you are as educated as you state and still support China's system over your own, then it sounds like you've already "given yourself willingly to people more cruel" than you...So good luck with that.

Answer 2

It is better to spend a life fighting for what you believe in, than to compromise yourself.
I would suggest you spend some time around the CPUSA, as well as other communist and socialist parties to find the best fit. The CPUSA basically exists to steer the left towards voting for Democrats at this point. Sad, but true.
Many other groups that oppose US aggression against China, and support the revolution, if not the policies of the government, exist in the US.
There are many trends in Marxism, all of whom claim to be the direct descendents of the movement after some split or another.
Check out some Maoist groups, Trotskyist groups, etc.

Answer 3

The communist party, if you want a change don't join them. Unless you want to join the others of "good character" Stalin, Mao, Ho Chih Minh and the loon running North Korea. The communist party has the blood of millions on its hands, compared to the nazis, the Communists are far better experts at mass murder and torture. If you know the history you can't seriously think joining that pack of scum to be a good thing. You support China, fine. But don't blacken your name with the filth that the Communists represent.

Answer 4

I've spent 28 years on the left and have never regretted it. And the cause is NOT lost.

But - there is no easy way out. You MUST think for yourself.

If you're honest about Marxism, you have to be prepared to go into opposition to the leadership of any group you join. Many people in left parties share apartments with, or become involved with, fellow members. You have to ask yourself - am I prepared to be spurned by friends, lovers, lose housing, etc., because I remained faithful to Marxian principles AGAINST a party that proves insufficiently loyal to those principles?

It's hard work to stay honest. Be prepared to suffer at the hands of so-called "comrades" as well as at the hands of capitalist stooges.

And you MUST study, study, study! If someone says something is "heretical," study it HARDER. There is no substitute for educating yourself. I wish I could tell you, "Just follow thus-and-such-group," but if I told you that I would be lying. You must study.

**Reprint of part of a previous answer to same question --

The CPUSA is pretty conservative these days. Except for their strictly emotional attachment to certain regimes, some Republicans and Democrats are further to the left than they are.

All that remains "communist" about them is a name that makes right-wingers whine and froth at the mouth.

If you're serious about a Marxist alternative, check out one of the Trotskyist groups. But beware - the decay process is at work in them, too.

Answer 5

Do what you want to do, unfortunately you will never make a change in American politics from inside the communist party. Be a democrat, it's almost the same thing and you can have a bigger influence over more people the more socialist you act.

Answer 6

my wife would very strenuously disagree with your assessment of PR china since she lived under its rule most of her life.its a government that needs to fall.its hundreds of times more corrupt and decadent than the USA.. most of its leaders are criminals. do your homework and not just what you want to hear.

my wife says the republican party (under bush) most closely resembles the communist party in china

Answer 7

by all means, it is still a free country.

Answer 8

There's a song for you jazz bands play;'CHINA BOY' and 'LIMEHOUSE BLUES' and of course 'KICKIN' THE GONG 'ROUND'.................

Answer 9

That's up to you.