MAGA 'communism'? Ridiculous right-wing grifters cash in posing as 'patriotic socialists'
Sep 16, 2022
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Guests Ben Norton and Danny Haiphong discuss the absurd concepts of MAGA 'communism' and 'patriotic socialism' in the imperialist US. They explore the grifting behavior of pro-Trump opportunists and the influence of racism on the Trump phenomenon. The distorted interpretation of Lenin and Mao for patriotic socialism is also discussed, along with the comparison between Nazism and American patriotism. They address the history of working class whites, socialism, and criticize online behavior.
Grifters on social media prioritize personal attacks, distracting from political issues and spreading false claims.
'MAGA Communism' is a contradictory and opportunistic concept that seeks to recruit right-wing supporters.
Addressing national oppression and supporting liberation struggles are vital for building a multinational working-class movement.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Social Media Corporations
The podcast discusses how social media corporations prioritize clout chasers and grifters who engage in personal attacks and distract from important political issues. The algorithm rewards those who seek attention and profit, leading to a proliferation of false claims and fabricated narratives. The speaker emphasizes the need to focus on reporting on political and economic issues that affect working people, as well as explaining the impact of imperialism and capitalism.
The Falsehoods of a 'MAGA Communist'
The podcast addresses a self-proclaimed 'MAGA Communist' named Jackson Hinkle, highlighting his inconsistent political stances and opportunistic behavior. Hinkle has been accused of spreading fake claims and working with companies associated with right-wing figures like Ron Paul and Steve Bannon. The speaker criticizes the idea of a 'MAGA Communist' and the notion that supporting the MAGA movement aligns with socialist values. The focus of the discussion is on the need for serious political engagement and the dangers of grifting and opportunism within leftist spaces.
Recognizing the Importance of National Liberation Struggles
The podcast acknowledges the significance of national oppression and the struggle for self-determination for oppressed nations. The speaker emphasizes the need for socialists and communists to support the liberation struggles of black people, indigenous nations, and Chicano communities, highlighting the historical context of colonization, slavery, and imperialism. The discussion emphasizes Lenin's understanding that the fight against capitalism and national oppression are intertwined and Mao's recognition of the importance of patriotism within the framework of internationalism. The podcast underscores the necessity of addressing the national question in order to build a multinational working-class movement.
Challenging the Dualities of the US Political System
The podcast critiques the limitations of the duopoly system in the United States and the failure of the Democratic Party. It questions the strategy of solely targeting a specific subsection of Trump supporters while neglecting the disillusioned former supporters of the Democratic Party and Bernie Sanders. The speaker argues against dismissing the potential to win people over to socialist ideas and emphasizes the importance of addressing the material conditions and contradictions within the working class. The podcast stresses the need to combat the influence of the Democratic Party and forge a path towards socialist consciousness and real revolutionary change.
Patriotic socialism and the distortion of Marxism
The podcast episode discusses the concept of 'patriotic socialism' and argues against its compatibility with Marxism. The hosts emphasize that Marxism opposes patriotism that is rooted in imperialist nations and instead aligns with the struggles against imperialism in countries like Cuba, Vietnam, and China. They highlight the importance of historical context and decolonization in understanding patriotism. The episode delves into the complexities of the flag as a symbol and references Lenin's fight against greater Russian chauvinism. Additionally, it explores the historical co-optation of left-wing elements by fascist movements and emphasizes the need for a serious engagement with the material reality of the United States' history of colonialism, white supremacy, and Jim Crow. The hosts caution against the attempts to re-appropriate patriotic symbols in a way that ignores this historical baggage and argue for meaningful discussions on decolonization and national struggles.
The dangers of syncretic politics and fascism
The podcast episode raises concerns about the dangers of syncretic politics and its history of fascist co-optation. The hosts argue that attempts to combine elements of the far right and the left are fundamentally flawed and have been historically exploited by fascist movements. They caution against the distortion of left-wing rhetoric by so-called patriotic socialists and argue that fascism aims to crush the left and any systemic alternatives to capitalism. Drawing on examples from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, the hosts highlight the fascist tactic of portraying themselves as anti-establishment, revolutionary, and anti-state, while actively targeting communists and other leftist groups. They emphasize the need for vigilance in recognizing and rejecting fascist influence within syncretic political movements.
Ben Norton and Danny Haiphong discuss the absurd concepts of MAGA "communism" and "patriotic socialism" in the imperialist US. Pro-Trump opportunists are posing as leftists to recruit the right - and make lots of money.
VIDEO: https://youtube.com/watch?v=y9YI57XWFQg
Support Danny at https://patreon.com/dannyhaiphong
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