Doug Eckhoff's Thoughts

Comrades,

After reading Chairman Webb's article several times and discussing it with other comrades I have come to the conclusion that there are many points within the the article that we can be very proud of as well as use as tools for the future of our Party.

First, chairman Webb writes:

"We need more, many more, members who are known as communists to their neighbors, co-workers, and fellow activists.

"We need more organizational visibility too – more people should know that there is a Communist Party, what we stand for, what we do, who we are."

That is something that many of us overlook. We may hesitate to share our party newspaper and journal, we do not wear the simple CPUSA pin on our shirt or lapel, we hesitate to mention our Party's position on relevant social issues when we are in discussion with friends or neighbors. We MUST be more courageous in that area and take Chairman Webb's advice to heart.

Secondly, he writes,

"We need a stronger presence on the internet."

This I belive is already taking place. Many of communicate between ourselves and those who sympathize with us on such useful internet forums as MySpace. Yet that presence can be increased both by the official party organs and the general membership

Lastly, Webb writes that,

"We need a comprehensive system of Marxist education and leadership training."

Yes we do indeed need that, but it italso up to us to read and keep reading. Robert C. Tucker, the editor of The Marx-Engels Reader says that, "Not to be well grounded in the writings of Marx and Engels is to be insufficiently attuned to modern thought, and self-excluded to a degree from the continuing debate by which most contemporary societies live insofar as their members are free and and able to discuss the vital issues." (Preface to the Second Edition, ix)

So while I appreciate any education I can get from the Party, the membership must understand that we must also take it upon ouselelves to be well-read in Marxism-Leninism.

I would like conclude on a positive note. The Webb article makes it clear that:

A) we are still a Marxist-Leninist Party with the transformation of society and Socialism as as our goal,
B) in everything we do, we are bonded to all those who dispossessed by the current political and economic environment,
C) we shall not betray our name, our heritage, or our symbols, and
D) we shall be actually working to make a good party better, bigger, and stronger.

We may have some issues over actual tactics in our current context but the anchor is solid and I believe as clubs devote themselves, as Charman Webb advises, to reasonablle and attainable goals we will, in the long run, remain united and achieve great things.

In solidarity!

Doug Eckhoff
CPUSA
Bronx, NY