Oekonux and politics (was:Re: [ox-en] Theses about the relation between the Oekonux project and the remaining world)
- From: Thomas Berker <thomas.berker hf.ntnu.no>
- Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 12:37:39 +0200
Hi lists!
So far it seems to me that Stefan's reflections on the relation to "the
remaining world" are guided by the fear to be identified as part of 'the
left' and thus becoming part of the traditional left's demise.
However, I believe there is a misconception of what social fora all over
the world are about. Especially in Germany their deliberate pluralism was
attacked for its "trans-left" character by keepers of the holy marxist
truth. Sure, within this pluralism you will find a lot traditionalist
left-wing politics and politicians. But, if I am not wrong, Oekonux has
attracted many of those as well - without taking too much harm.
But then there is a political point, too: I still think - and that is of
course a very old discussion within the project - that there are at least
two possible futures for Free Software and its principles: Being adapted
and modernising capitalism without really changing anything - or
destabilising existing power structures. There is potential for both.
Possible futures are always also about politics because they are disputed
and shaped by fights and decisions. And in the domain of politics, looking
for allies is useful for small projects like Oekonux. Clearly, social fora
and other 'new social movements' are as oekonuxish as it gets in today's
political landscape.
Maybe it is really time for a fork? Oekonux remaining more theory-based and
eager to remain politically independent (which is of course also politics),
while another project gathers some people who are interested in Free
Software and its principles as political project.
At least I would have been more inclined to come the long way from Norway
to Austria knowing that I will not only attend a 'more internal' (as Stefan
writes) Oekonux meeting.
Best, Thomas
_______________________
http://www.oekonux.org/