The Stalin school of falsification - Marxists Internet Archive

Stalin School of Falsification -- Chapter 15
We must not say to the masses "realize socialism," but "adopt" socialism. Capitalism has advanced; war
capitalism is different from pre-war capitalism.
On the basis of tactical conclusions it is necessary to turn to practical measures. It is necessary to call a
party Congress immediately; it is necessary to revise the program. A great deal in it is antiquated. It is
necessary to change the minimum program.
Personally and speaking for myself alone, I propose that we change the name of the party, that we call it
the Communist Party. The people will understand the name "Communist." The majority of the official
social democrats have betrayed socialism. Liebknecht is the only social democrat. You are afraid to go
back on your old memories? But to change our linen, we 've got to take off the dirty shirt and put on a
clean one.
Why reject the entire experience of the world struggle?
The majority of the social democrats all over the world have betrayed socialism and have gone over to
the side of their governments (Scheidemann, Plekhanov, Guesde). What to do to get Scheidemann to
agree? This point of view is the death of socialism. To send a radio telegram to Scheidemann [proposing]
the termination of the war . . . is deceit.
The name social democrat is inaccurate. Don't hang on to an old name which is rotten through and
through. Have the will to build a new party . . . and all the oppressed will come to you.
In Zimmerwald and Kienthal the Center, Rabochaya Gazeta, predominated. We shall prove to you what
the entire experience has shown. We declare that we have formed a left and have broken with the center.
Either you talk of the International, and then you must carry on. . . or you. ...
The Left Zimmerwald tendency exists in all countries of the world. The masses must realize that
socialism has split throughout the world. The defensists have renounced social ism. Liebknecht alone . . .
the future is his.
I hear that in Russia there is a trend toward unification. Unification with the defensists -- that is a betrayal
of socialism. I think that it is better to stand alone like Liebknecht -- one against a hundred and ten.
BAGDATIEV: Proposes not to open discussion but to settle the question of the meeting that is now
taking place, and if it is decided not to go, then the meeting can continue.
SKRYPNIK: The report of comrade Lenin must provide the answer to the question as to whether we
should go there or not.
VOITINSKY: In the report of comrade Lenin a mass of questions were touched upon that were not
touched at the conference of the Bolsheviks. A discussion is taking place both among the Bolsheviks as
well as among the Mensheviks; it would he interesting therefore to place the theses for dis cussion before
the joint meeting. I propose that we go to the joint meeting, which hinds nobody.
The discussion is of importance to the delegates from the provinces.
The proposal is adopted.
The faction proceeds to the meeting hall in the Tauride Palace.
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