Is internationalism a foreign concept for pro-independence left?
Tuesday 12 March 2013
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EmailColin Turbett and Trade Unionists For Independence (M Star March 1) have a curious idea of what being an internationalist is, when it means Scottish progressives deserting comrades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
He and TUFI would help confine the rest of us in an electoral prison based on nothing more than the remote off-chance that north of an arbitrary geographical line from Gretna to Berwick, they can create a socialist democracy.
Does he think international capital won't notice?
Socialists are by definition internationalists and understand that our struggle to create a better world continues regardless of location.
The challenges facing us are the same in Scotland, England and Wales and caused by a global economic system - capitalism - must be seen in that context.
Colin refers to Lenin, but perhaps he could read his 1919 Letter to workers and peasants of the Ukraine: "We are opposed to national enmity and discord, to national exclusiveness.
"We are internationalists."
Stephen Smith
Redditch
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