Eleven Points for Dio Soryu to Consider
Silas Soule
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Eleven Points for Dio Soryu to Consider
The charming and honorable Dio Soryu has written a thoughtful critique of the Socialist Freedom Party. You can read it here. She argues that the SFP is not really "socialist", and instead has "sold out" to something called "conservative populism".
Her critique is amusing and well written, though from my POV maybe a bit turgid and hum-drum in its analysis. To its credit, I'd say it hit, albeit somewhat obliquely, on a few legit questions. Most importantly it raised the question (for readers who think beyond the cheap smackdowns) about "What is e-socialism, really?", "What does revolutionary game play actually look like?" and in particular, what does the type of "e-socialism" generally espoused by SFPers, actually mean in game terms?
There is a deep and rich e-literature on this question. Writers and thinkers from the SFP, and players internationally who are interested in questions like what is a "revolutionary" or "transformative" style of game play, what are the limits of Marxian socialism in-game, is there a way to overcome the built-in nationalist-imperialism of the default game model, and so forth, have written lots of interesting materials on this and related topics. Konrad Neumann's piece "Marx Kant into eRep but Hegel Can", which basically outlines a possibility for a style of "global democracy" and denigrates the concept of "revolutionary crisis", is a recent example of this genre.
Dio Soryu mentioned several SFP brothers by name. I will not attempt to speak for them, as they are quite capable of speaking for themselves. What I will do is try to address some of the broader political, philosophical, semantic and perhaps even aesthetic points which, it seems to me, were alluded to by the article.
I should also note that these Points are entirely my own (well, with a big tip o' the hat to French philosophe Alain Badiou). Members of the SFP may agree, disagree, partially agree, or partially disagree with me. I don't know. I didn't ask them. The SFP is a "big tent" party with no political litmus test.
If Dio Soryu is implying that the SFP is not a Marxist-Leninist organization, she is quite right. I would even say that, consciously or not, by making an earnest attempt to "reinvent" the New World, the SFP is finding it necessary to demolish the entire concept of "left vs. right". But I am getting ahead of myself...
I have numbered my points for convenience.
1. It is urgently necessary to internationalize the cause of the Socialist Freedom Party. Only the total elimination of oligarchic-dictatorial game play globally could bring a meaningful "ideological blow" to the fascistic game model embedded in the default eRepublic mechanics.
2. Dio Soryu makes jolly of the fact that some political positions espoused by SFP members appear to align with some demands associated with the Rightist group in the RL USA known as "The Tea Party". In particular, she focuses on complaints raised by SFP and BSP that the current e-income tax rate is too high. She seems to believe for some reason that all "socialists" are automatically in favor of "higher taxes" under any conditions.
Well, yes, it's true that any discussion about tax rates will be partly confused. And it has always been the case that at certain times the far Right will sometimes reject certain things that the far Left also rejects. The clear thing here is the affirmation of what is wanted. Everyone knows what the SFP wants is opposed to what uber-e-nationalists and e-fascists want.
The discussion and debate in Congress centers on the current tax rate of this Government, and the purposes for which it is raising these taxes. Opposing this tax raise is clearly a vote of no-confidence in the current dicta-government.
3. The fact that this "revolutionary situation" is occurring in the eUSA and not -- as ought to be the case -- everywhere in all the nations of eRepublik, indicates that the e-International "Left" has largely sunk into an irreversible coma. "Left" and "e-socialist" and "e-communist" and "workers" and "labor" parties everywhere are now, like the US Workers Party has always been, overtly the managers of globalized dicta-fascist imperialist-corporatism.
There is a smidgen of hope, poorly defined, in the wholly disruptive political formations linked to "power from below" game play, like the SFP and, I would say, pretty much the Irish State as a whole, which was long ago militarized along popular-socialist lines.
As it happens, the Socialist Freedom Party repudiated the "Left" distinction some time ago. It's official in-game "flavor" is "Anarchist" and its Constitution speaks of "anarcho-syndicalism", not "socialism". SFPers are happy to call themselves "socialists" mainly because the word still has a more disruptive effect on the North American psyche than "anarchist" does. So it is a badge of honor for the SFP for that reason.
But the whole 20th century construct of "Left" and "Right" belongs to the old world of parliamentary-oligarchy, which simply must be destroyed.
4. The fact that the SFP finally reached Top Five status after all these years offers encouragement to all new propositions in the political field. The dicta-congress and the unity-parties have been in an endemic crisis for some time. The SFP's success -- however temporary and limited -- is part of the "Awakening of History" in the New World. This awakening will carry the SFP, or its descendants, over the ruins of classic parliamentary and pseudo-"democratic" cretinism.
5. In my opinion the situation with the SFP remains a very difficult and fragile one. Dio Soryu is right to call SFPers to account on particular matters. It's now that its true difficulties will begin. The minions of the Admin and the acolytes of the Way Things Have to Be may alter their tactics in light of tactical successes by player-power movements like the SFP. But it is necessary to act without paying too much attention to them. Our destiny is mainly in our own hands. The crucial point, now, is to know whether the SFP's breaking into the Top 5 will expand into a powerful popular movement, exercising acute pressure on the government itself, regardless of what any SFP personages say or do.
6. Indeed, how should we judge the SFP today? Several months ago Jude Connors, Wooky Jack, Artela and others decided to build on the radical legacy created by Osmany Ramon, Civil Anarchy, Vincent Nolan, Mark Valshannar, Ghost of Tom Joad and many others by creating a savvy political team that would propel the Party into the Top 5. I might have preferred a different way: with an immediate appeal for a mass, global, extended popular mobilization to demand an end to dictatorships. And also through an intensive struggle against VISA-oligarchs, bot farmers, and those who bring RL nationalism and religions into the game....
But I am just a lazy old fart, and I don't want to give lessons. I don't know if an action so centered on popular mobilization -- in a sense, a rather dictatorial action aimed the Admin himself -- was possible. For the moment, after several months of work, there has been this interesting development and the situation remains completely open. That is already a lot.
And with all due respect to the Honorable Dioist, it is really much more interesting than calling the SFP "conservative populists". (Yawn.)
7. I continue to think that the hardest ideological blow against the entire eRep Labs system is represented by a global demand for the complete elimination or transformation of the Dictator module. Objectively it is possible to do so without even changing the software. I suppose eRep Labs is opposed to such a change, since it opens the door ludic design where entertaining and perhaps even instructive game play trumps a purely money-oriented scheme.
And so the Admin's minions want to punish the SFP, and ultimately punish the international community of players too, rather than resolve the fundamental problems with the game model. The best way to punish the punishers would be a global general strike, whatever risks that would entail.
8. There seems to be a certain amount of agitation over the possibility of the SFP -- and even the SFP and the BSP -- being Top 5 parties. Let's be clear. It's only a FN game. None of this is meaningful in any really meaningful sense. But within the aesthetic constraints of the Game Life, there is some degree of hope amongst reactionaries that the rise of the SFP will frighten people.
The correct line, which is the one the SFP has taken, is to say: "We are staying within the system. We only want -- as is our right -- a chance to change the rules of this e-country. We want it to stop being a transmission belt between oligarchic corporatism and the continuation of the players' suffering. We want a really free, people's eUSA".
It's up to various reactionaries to say what they think of that. If they want to chase the SFP out of the game, let them try! On this point, the ball is in their court. I can affirm that the SFP, for its part, keeps its powder dry and well-guarded.
9. We also hear whispered geopolitical fears in the background. It is no secret that the SFP is an internationalist party. It always has been. The first Commander of the Bear Cavalry was an Australian. If I remember correctly, Legendary SFP leader Osmany Ramon was the first Chair of the first e-Internationale.
Of course all the governments of the New World have an independent foreign policy and many cultivate entirely cynical friendships. Some hypocritical reactionaries want to the paint the SFP as "friendly to foreigners", another title we wear with pride and honor. The SFP has always sought to build the unity of the "awakened" players of the world; to "accuse" them of the same is the height of silliness.
10. But whatever comes of all these things, the situation with the SFP will be resolved mainly by the Freedom Socialists themselves, along with their friends, partners, allies and dancing partners. We can feel the old political forces engaging in intrigues behind the scenes.
But even beyond the fact that state power very rapidly corrupts, when it is acquired in regular and non-revolutionary conditions, we must obviously pose the fundamental question: is the SFP today managing foreign affairs, the budget office, the armed forces, the congressional procedures and offices, and helping to direct the nation's economic and financial system, including setting tax policy?
Obviously not. What will make them ready? How will they behave with some degree of e-power in their hands?
In this context, in my view nothing changes. It is the popular movement and its grassroots organizations which must keep a constant watch over the government's actions. To repeat -- the "revolution" in the SFP's ascendancy will only be a true force when it continues to develop into very powerful independent movements.
11. International popular support -- one that catches the media's attention -- should devote forces to the SFP's possible call for mobilization. This has nothing whatsoever to do with "PTO". The goals of the SFP are well known. Its methods are entirely above board.
A fraction of the New World population possesses the lion's share of its resources. The e-world's capitalist oligarchy is very narrow, very concentrated, and very organized. Faced with this, dispersed peoples lacking in political unity and closed off within their national borders, will remain weak and almost impotent.
Everything today plays out a global level. Transformation of the SFP's cause into an international cause of very powerful symbolic value is a necessity, and, therefore, a duty for all free people.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO,
PQ
Comments
Socialism is the abolition of human self-alienation, the return of man as a real human being.
so in an online game you expect to return to something?
I have no expectations whatsoever, George.
so should I just follow shiloh's example and just cuss, cause nothing matters, especially your writing?
Yes, precisely. Or not.
I'm about one paragraph in. I'm betting this boils down to, 'Yeah, but they're just, like, words man. They don't actually mean anything.'
you made it that far
Eleven points? It can only count to ten.
suppliers of famous pionts, enough said
Love ya, George! You need a hug?
coming to richmond soon
"Suppliers of Famous Points" was pretty funny the first time I read it. By this time, which (despite losing count) I'm gauging as roughly the sixtieth, the novelty has worn off.
Misspelling "points" does kind of add a new element of humor, though.
Oh, also, something about butterflies and hugs.
how many have you all given out this week?
Hugs? Not too many, actually. Last time I hugged someone I wasn't dating she tried to follow me home from work a few times and sent odd messages to me over facebook, so I avoid hugs in general.
I get the impression hugging you may not end differently, so (no offense intended) I won't be hugging you. Have a good night 😃
why offer, taking the $100 job offer example, offer but not follow thru?
\o/
2. Dio Soryu makes jolly of the fact that some political positions espoused by SFP members appear to align with some demands associated with the Rightist group in the RL USA known as "The Tea Party". In particular, she focuses on complaints raised by SFP and BSP that the current e-income tax rate is too high. She seems to believe for some reason that all "socialists" are automatically in favor of "higher taxes" under any conditions.
Untrue. However, conditions are such that 'high' taxes are a thing and conditions are also such that High Taxes are being used to build reserves, rather than to invest in new players with less advantages and greater needs than old, wealthy players. Rather than try to use this, such that it might benefit such disadvantaged players, SFP chases a vague notion of 'revolution', which looks suspiciously like 'what everyone else does'.
This is a thoughtful critique of an actual policy question. I am working on an economics article that will address this among other things.
" I am", but why?
Taxes as defined by the game don't need to be the source of currency to build reserves. The consensual aspect of the various anarchistic types of socialism can be used to expedite the voluntary contribution of said currency from the older wealthier players to those with less advantages. Anarchists can be compassionate.
Sounds libertarian/neo-conservative to me: "I won't pay any taxes, but I will help the less fortunate if I feel like it."
But that's untrue in the fact the taxes are not being used to benefit disadvantaged players and we also could still build reserves if really necessary at a lower tax right.
Right, but what I'm saying is there IS a need among disadvantaged players that isn't being addressed.
SFP could be working to rectify this, but instead it's going 'BAW BUT TAXES R BAD' because people like hearing that shit and SFP wants in the Top 5 so bad they can taste it.
but it's a baseless argument and circular reasoning it so you're arguing something that you don't even know is accurate. Maybe spend a little time with a party your trying to rush judgement on to see what it's really like, rather than assumptions based on a rise in membership somehow being linked to something nefarious.
3. The fact that this "revolutionary situation" is occurring in the eUSA
citation needed
5. The crucial point, now, is to know whether the SFP's breaking into the Top 5 will expand into a powerful popular movement, exercising acute pressure on the government itself, regardless of what any SFP personages say or do.
You bought your way in and sold your soul to get here.
I'm thinking, 'Nope.'
Perhaps.
Sorry, who is this "you" that is "selling souls"? Offering players high-paying jobs is something I've been doing for a long time. But I already don't have soul, since they don't exist, so I guess that's another one of those words we're going to have to agree to disagree on.
Here's a question. If one is so concerned about socialism, then why attack the only party with an even remotely transformative agenda the very moment it makes the slightest movement towards power?
Because a 'trans-formative agenda' isn't 'socialism'. That is simply revolution for revolution's sake. You can grasp for power as the imperialists do and speak about your grand ideals all day, but all you're doing is becoming the imperialist, yourself.
6. And with all due respect to the Honorable Dioist, it is really much more interesting than calling the SFP "conservative populists". (Yawn.)
A spade is a spade is a spade.
It is boring to point out that, yes, this spade is a spade. But if people fail to recognize this, then it must be done.
Yawn.
nou
" and others", and they don't merit the same attention? Undefining, Socialism with every utterance...
7. I continue to think that the hardest ideological blow against the entire eRep Labs system is represented by a global demand for the complete elimination or transformation of the Dictator module.
I'd be fine with that, as the best kind of dictator is the dictator who rules by popular consent, as ours does. A truly great dictator is the one the people demand hold the reigns of power.
Regardless, that is not our position. The game is what it is and there are many things I would change about it, were it in my power. It is, however, not and the only thing to be done is to make the best rational use of the tools we are given.
8. There seems to be a certain amount of agitation over the possibility of the SFP -- and even the SFP and the BSP -- being Top 5 parties. Let's be clear. It's only a FN game. None of this is meaningful in any really meaningful sense. But within the aesthetic constraints of the Game Life, there is some degree of hope amongst reactionaries that the rise of the SFP will frighten people.
If you say so. I think you seriously over-estimate the effect this will have on anything.
My article was written out of my appreciation for socialist values and my disappointment that SFP has made the decision to stand for nothing but power for powers sake so it can do... something? I guess?
You are not the first people to grasp power at all costs, nor are you the first to be consumed by it.
9. We also hear whispered geopolitical fears in the background. It is no secret that the SFP is an internationalist party.
Governments of the world, tremble before the might of a Top 5 party in the United States.
No one's trying to stop you. No one's tried. People have disagreed and have decided upon policy you do not agree with. You are free to work to change it, but you are not being silenced and none seek to silence you.
You can come down off your cross, any time. You put yourself there, no one else.
This is not a comment by Dio Soryu!
AMP pulls plug on Suppliers of Famous Pionts, who (Jude) have to turn to BSP to get what they had before setting out to displace the BSP... Not having a stand in an online game is much better than desperately trying on an online game...
Thanks for the comments, my fellow eUSAians will buy party members, but can't draw any interest in the media...
11. International popular support -- one that catches the media's attention -- should devote forces to the SFP's possible call for mobilization. This has nothing whatsoever to do with "PTO". The goals of the SFP are well known. Its methods are entirely above board.
More self-aggrandizing. I don't really even have anything to say about it except that no one is saying 'PTO' except SFP.
I'm going to say that my initial reaction was, for the most part, correct.
'Socialism means whatever we want it to mean. We're not, like, actually socialists.'
And that's fine. That was the point I made and the criticism you are, in your grand double-thinking way, rebuking and agreeing with. You could have just said, 'Yes, you're right. We aren't socialists' as a comment in my article. It really didn't need 11 points of self-aggrandized bullshit to say.
There are as many different definitions for Socialism as there are for Capitalism. It is all dependent upon the context, when in history the definition was popularized and the scholar responsible for the popularization of that definition. When we argue about definitions, we are arguing semantics, which doesn't accomplish anything constructive.
I'm not arguing about definitions, since the definition you're attempting to sell is hilariously wrong.
"con"text and "con"structive; "There are as many different definitions for Socialism as there are for Capitalism", no research? The odds seem to be against it. Socialism, everyone equal, Capitalism screw everything and anything (literally) for a profit. What is the argument?
AMP stands for ____________________________
AMP is about ______________________________
AMP ideals are ____________________________
AMP fights for _____________________________
I'm experiencing a little confusion here. Are you holding the SFP to the standard of real socialism, or to the brand of socialism we've been trying to develop here in-game? Clearly there is no way for the proletariat to seize the means of production in-game, though such an option would be cool. Socialism, therefore, can not be created in-game.
However, as most of us in the party tend toward leftist ideologies (we range from anarchists to Leninists) we've rallied around the word and have tried to adapt ideals and icons into the game as best as we can.
Is it a perfect adaptation? Of course not, for reasons I've already stated. If we tried to do the things we do in-game in reality we'd likely be lambasted by our non-eRepublik playing leftist friends for going soft, etc.
What I'm trying to say is, we are socialists, most of us, in reality. Many of us try to create a form of socialism in-game. It isn't how socialism would play out in reality, but we are still socialists.
I will respond with PQ's own words, here.
"As it happens, the Socialist Freedom Party repudiated the "Left" distinction some time ago. It's official in-game "flavor" is "Anarchist" and its Constitution speaks of "anarcho-syndicalism", not "socialism". "
Your response is lacking in... response. If I wanted to talk to PQ I'd PM him 😛
That's like saying all the other party's identities completely align with their names. Except...they don't so moving on....
Right, so you're just like every other boring useless party in the game.
Except that Federalists do actually have a rational reason for their name; i.e. that they think of the parties as acting within States in this system and believe in competition between those parties for the improvement of the Federal government.
AMP is the Military Party and supports militaristic aims.
Black Sheep party is full of edgelords.
Mostly pretty consistent, actually.
They're all still boring, of course. Why SFP wants in the boring-bullshit kids club so bad, I have no idea.
But self-aggrandizing bullshit is the only joy I get out of this game.