Conspiracy theories and delusion on the far left

 

It never ceases to surprise me that so many people are so easily led into thinking there is some kind of world-wide conspiracy aimed at controlling everything and everyone which ranges from the Tsarist forgery The Protocols of Zion to fools who think the Convid 19 pandemic is a hoax to pump us full of micro-soft nanobots to monitor the existence of each and every one of us.

The far-left is no exception. For starters they think that there is a world wide capitalist conspiracy to which they now add Zionist or Jews. The most explicit rendition of this theory is one Ian Donovan an inveterate sectarian Trotskyist turned neo-fascist in the Socialist Fight (Communist Faction) group when he writes:

Jews are the one people in the imperialist epoch that have comprehensively escaped from systematic oppression and joined the ranks of oppressor peoples in the imperialist world order.’

In correspondence with Louise Reagan of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (over his expulsion from the organisation) Donovan doesn't even see the problem with his condemnation of Jews:

..the SF statement cited is in no sense hostile to Jewish people,

Clearly it is and he even condemns the so-called anti-Zionist ones like Tony Greenstein for establishing organisations that "emphasise their Jewishness" to "kosher the Palestine solidarity movement".

Too much even for the charlatans of the PSC.

The implication of that statement is clear.  It is simply a modern version of the Tsarist Protocols. Far-left and far-right show their true colours.

Talking of far-right conspiracy theories I was (sort of) astonished to find this comment on Chris Williamson's "The Resistance Movement" Facebook page with positive responses from a Keith Mason who is a  Corbynite having checked his timeline:

I recently done a poll on twitter. I asked what is the most serious threat; Climate change, Covid -19, Biochemical warfare or Agenda 21?

Agenda 21 received 68%
Climate change received 32%
I think it's time we discussed Agenda 21 before its too late.

Now that was new to me so I looked it up and according to the left's bible The Guardian :

Green space, clean energy, increased urban density...and global dictatorship. It’s hard to see how all of these things could connect, but — according to a popular right wing conspiracy theory — a UN resolution aimed at sustainable development could pave the way.

Theorists argue that Agenda 21, a 23-year-old non-binding UN resolution that suggests ways for governments and NGOs to promote sustainable development, is the linchpin in a plot to subjugate humanity under an eco-totalitarian regime. One of its most outspoken critics, American Policy Center president Tom DeWeese, has described the resolution as “a new kind of tyranny that, if not stopped, will surely lead us to a new Dark Ages of pain and misery yet unknown to mankind”.

The Guardian points out:

..... it’s hard to see why Agenda 21 is so controversial. While it urges international cooperation, it is hardly the totalitarian, internationalist screed that critics claim. Far from promoting international governance, for example, it calls for greater local government involvement in sustainable agricultural and urban development.

However it's hardly surprising when you consider some of the other unsavoury types this page attracts. According to Janet Addison in her response to a post about Labour and Palestine has this bizarre formulation to offer her fellow comrades:

With the new appointments Starmer is making I think that the Party should change its name. Maybe the Israeli Labour Party seems to fit the bill

The far-left's obsession with all things Jewish Zionist mirrors that of the far-right.

Still there remain some old fashioned Marxist types...

At the other extreme of the far-left is the practice of self delusion. Take the bit of the former Militant Tendency organised around Socialist Appeal and continuing to operate as an "entryist group" in the Labour Party. They announced that "hundreds" attended their Annual Conference (which was on-line and therefore possible for most of their members to log on to) which turned out to be "450" (rounded up I should imagine!) which they believe:

This conference marks a watershed in the building of the forces of Marxism. The overwhelming feeling at the conference was one of urgency. The future of humanity depends on our ability to forge the revolutionary leadership that is desperately required.

We have seen the working class shaken out of all habits and routines. This crisis has turned the world upside down and inside out. It is only the revolutionary ideas of Marxism that offer a way forward for the masses in Britain and internationally. 

Really? Somehow when I look out of the window of the inner city tower block I live in across London (which being flat gives me a good long view) I just imagine this little group of people being ignored in a city of millions by ordinary people who may want a better deal and a fairer society also want a peaceful life that these ideologues rantings will continue to fall on deaf ears.

Most people I know are frankly just looking forward to a pint with their mates when the lock down ends. Revolution led by this self appointed vanguard? I don't think so.