The Marxist Student Union's Analysis of Lenin's "The Three Sources... of Marxism"

Comrades,

Tonight's meeting of the Marxist Student Union was a phenomenal display of Marxism in action. Two new comrades joined with the M.S.U. to discuss Lenin's "The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism." After a brief contextualizing of the text and its creator, the President led an insightful discussion that focused on the difference between dialectics and metaphysics. From there we went on to talk about how dialectical and historical materialism are foundational to proletarian class consciousness.

In short order one comrade asked the group how understandable or readable they thought the text was. Like seasoned revolutionary theorists, the comrades energetically criticized Lenin's article based upon their analysis of its content, rhetorical technique, and organization. More than one of us felt Lenin's jargon was off putting and another pointed out that the writer is never gives concrete examples and lacks specificity. Another felt that Lenin was a bad writer, a poor philosopher, and a terrible scientist, but a gifted compiler and condenser of Marxism. In the end, Lenin was praised as a brilliant organizer, not only of the Russian Revolution, but of this article in particular. The idea was also advanced that how Lenin organized his essay modeled Marxist analysis . Part I details the condition, II determines the cause, and III advances correct revolutionary action based upon sound analysis.

Near the end of our critical analysis, the V.P. pointed out one passage in particular that absolutely unifies every Marxist and irreconcilably separates Marxism not only from liberalism but also other revolutionary paradigms:

"Political institutions are a superstructure on the economic foundation."

The above concept is the surest litmus test for the existence and intensity of Marxism. Marxists know their enemy. Capitalism is the enemy of all working people and, it is Capitalism that we fight.

In Solidarity,

The University of Memphis Marxists

The Three Sources of Marxism

Comrades,
Tomorrow we will meet in room 208 in the University Center at 5pm to discuss Lenin's "The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism." If you have not already read the article and printed it out you can find it in The Marxist Internet Achieves by following this link:

http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1913/mar/x01.htm

After our discussion, please stick around for a film screening. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and hearing their thoughts on Lenin's understanding of Marxism.

In Solidarity,

The University of Memphis Marxists

Attend a reading from "The Communist Manifesto" tomorrow afternoon.

Comrades,

Dr. Dennis Laumann as part of Banned Books Week at the library will be reading selections from "The Communist Manifesto" tomorrow in the campus library from 11:30-12. Come out wearing some article of red clothing and make our silent presence shout in resistance to Capitalist oppression and solidarity with the workers of the world.

In Solidarity,

The University of Memphis Marxists

Working on the Harris campaign

Comrades,

Please join with us Wednesday evening to volunteer at the Lee Harris campaign headquarters to work his phone bank from 6-7. We will meet at 5:30 in Mitchell to organize our carpool / caravan.

In case you need a copy of Lenin's "The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism" you can find it at the above link. Our upcoming discussion would be enriched by the thoughts of those comrades who are familiar with multiple schools of Marxism and how these points of view respond to Lenin's article.

Before signing off, if you are interested in having an action on Columbus Day to (at least) refute the "discovery" of the Americas, speak out against their subjugation by the imperialist European powers, and celebrate the Indigenous,  Mexica, and  Mestizo cultures of North and South America organize your thoughts and bring them on Friday. Columbus Day is less than two weeks away and we should do our best to act decisively and quickly in order to have an effective action.

In Solidarity,

The University of Memphis Marxists

Vigil for Troy Davis

Comrades,

Members of the Marxist Student Union were present at the vigil for Troy Davis who was murdered yesterday by the State of Georgia. Representatives from the student organizations present  were invited to say a few words on this sad occasion.  After representatives from the Progressive Student Association, the University of Memphis NAACP, the Black Student Association, and two sororities (whose names escape me) spoke, the V.P. of the Marxist Student Union expressed gratitude for having the chance to stand in solidarity with his fellow students against this injustice. He went on to say that the death of Troy Davis shows the hypocrisy of our system and its claims to embody freedom and justice. He closed saying that he and the membership of the Marxist Student Union look forward to the day when justice is available to all, real justice not just justice before the law. Justice where no man has to pick up a gun to make ends meet, where no one feels the need to commit crime because everyone has enough.

After the vigil a few people asked about the Marxist Student Union’s next meeting and took fliers with them. It would be good if this vigil led to a greater sense of cooperation and solidarity between all student organizations devoted to the cause of equality.

Follow the link to read more about Troy Davis' story, and to learn more about the admirable work being done by Amnesty International

In Solidarity,

The University of Memphis Marxists

Doing the work

Comrades,

Last night a handful of us did our small part to help pro-union and anti-discrimination, candidate for City Council (not to mention University of  Memphis professor of Law) Lee Harris in his campaign to improve district 7 and the city of Memphis. It was great to be able to call our fellow voters and hear what was important to them and let them know how Lee Harris intends to represent them on City Council. Let's all resist the urge to be armchair philosophers and continue to do our job as workers to support campaigns that put people before profits.

Our next meeting is Friday, September 30th at 5pm in UC208. Feel free to print out and post the above where ever possible and invite your friends to join us. You should start seeing the fliers in the University Center and around campus beginning tomorrow.

In Solidarity,


The University of Memphis Marxists

Working on the Harris Campaign

Comrades,


Tomorrow at 5:30 meet in the lobby of Mitchell Hall to caravan / carpool over to Lee Harris' office. We should be back to campus a little after 7pm. Hope to see everyone there.

In Solidarity,

The University of Memphis Marxists