[act-ma] TIME CHANGE: The Material Basis for Revolutionary Optimism Today at the Center for Marxist Education

[Casey Doyle]

*Events and Hours*

Center for Marxist Education | 550 Mass Ave, Cambridge

All Events are free and open to the public

Saturday's presentation has been moved to 4pm to accommodate the
Stand With Gaza! Rally and Die-In
1PM - Park Street Station
www.facebook.com/events/285514144962386


*The Material Basis for Revolutionary Optimism Today*
A presentation and discussion led by Wadi'h Halabi

*TIME CHANGE*: Saturday, July 19th 4-6pm

What is the material basis for revolutionary optimism today? Indeed, is
there such a basis?

It can be easy to fall into pessimism in this period -- the just cause of
socialism has suffered major setbacks with counter-revolutions in the
Soviet Union and eleven other states in the 1980s and early 1990s, and we
have not experienced any significant victories for workers' power since
Indochina in 1975. Problems are widespread with decomposition of the
working class in capitalist countries, and recomposition on unfavorable
terms.

False optimism, on the other hand, can lead to errors in action,
disappointments and inaction.

The approach of this presentation is to examine the relative strengths and
weaknesses of the two major class antagonists, the international working
class and the world capitalist class, and their respective organizations.
It concludes that there is reason for revolutionary optimism but little
room for serious errors, as capitalism in crisis accelerates the
destruction of both social and environmental foundations for human
existence.

Based on presentations and discussions at the Institute (now Academy) of
Marxism in Beijing, the Salt of the Earth Labor College in Tucson, Arizona,
and elsewhere.
www.facebook.com/events/889442031073269




*Readings for Radicals*
Wednesdays, 23rd 7-9pm

A bi-monthly Wednesday night book discussion group, facilitated by Joe
Ramsey.  Join us to discuss some of the important written works in the
radical left tradition, from marxist classics to more contemporary texts,
from political theory, to fiction and poetry.

For July we will continue our focus  on Black Radical Writers: examining
the work of James Baldwin and Toni Cade Bambara (while continuing our
discussion Richard Wright and the Black Panther Party)
Recommended texts for the month:  James Baldwin's short book "The Fire Next
Time" and Toni Cade Bambara's story "The Lesson".
www.facebook.com/events/252686078266364




*Sunday Film & Discussion*
Hosted by Richard Pendleton
Sunday, July 27th - 6pm

*INVESTIGATION INTO THE IRAN-CONTRA AFFAIR*

Experience the American Journey through our country's visual heritage in
this historical recording provided by the National Archives of the United
States. It includes testimony from the Senate Select Committee on Secret
Military Assistance to Iran and the Nicaraguan opposition. This historical
recording from the National Archives may contain variations in audio and
video quality based on the limitations of the original source material. The
content summary for this DVD is adapted from an historical description
provided by the government agency or donor at the time of production
release. 64 minutes. 2007.
www.facebook.com/events/526118587516873



*Center for Marxist Education Summer Hours*
Monday – 4-8
Tuesday – 4-9
Wednesday – 4-9
Check our Facebook to see which Saturdays we will be open this summer!

Center For Marxist Education facebook page
<http://www.facebook.com/CenterForMarxistEducation>