Not in a position to create an actual ML chapter but really don’t feel like dealing with Trots. Any advice?

  • Anarcho-Bolshevik
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    2 years ago

    Yes, but if I were you, I would be upfront about my politics with them first, or at least after a few days; infiltration should not be the goal. If they’re lonely then they’ll very probably allow some open “Stalinoids” in their ranks, maybe in hopes of shaping their politics over time. Try to avoid being intentionally confrontational, as that’s extremely unlikely to help anybody. The more that you build up trust by helping them, the less sectarian drama that you’ll have. Sooner or later you’ll have some clashes, of course, but if you can remain patient and build up trust, your clashes should be less stressful.

    Several weeks ago I met an anarchist on Twitter who was going through tough times in her apartment. I gave her some cash, offered some resources that she could consult (like where to find more apartments), and a few days later I mentally prepared myself for a rejection before I explicitly admitted to her my ‘politically incorrect’ stance on the People’s Republic of China. She didn’t say much, but it hasn’t endangered our relationship at all.

    Being a Good Samaritan can be difficult to do, and yes, there is a chance of it disappointing you in the end. But personally, I would not have regretted helping another poor person in need even if she did reject me over my politics.