There was a time when I noticed the kinds of “cast off” behaviors exhibited towards the younger members that really reminded me of how small, cult-like religious sects treat people who lose their “fight” for the religion at hand. “They’ve turned towards the world”, people would say.

How we treat each other– not only when organizing, but even when people we have struggled with just simply need it– says a lot about what kind of world we are already building. Not only is this form of organizing wholly destructive, it is antithetical to the world we claim to fight for.

There really ought to be a support group or something for people who have escaped–a word I chose very deliberately– this level of emotional, psychological torture. Encouraging people to steal from their parents, hock their things– this is beyond screwed up. People who get out of the dungeon described here will be broken, exhausted, and filled with self-doubt to the highest degree. They will be made to feel ashamed of themselves for taking care of themselves, when of course — that’s exactly what they should be doing. Our own pride in our own contributions, whatever level we take on such, is something we should build in one another constantly– not damage.

Remember this at all times: People do not owe anyone else anything, except themselves. Whatever level of organizing we take on is good enough, and sufficient to be able to look in the mirror. Support each other, guys– and seriously consider the idea of a place for these shattered souls to go, they will need it and we need to provide it.

solidarity, but of course,
Macdonald

I am very pleased that Ian managed to get out and rebuild his life after such a gross experience. Others are still in their thrall. My question remains:

What is it about our community that has allowed the FTT leadership to behave like this with impunity and without fear of retribution. There must be something consistent with compassionate behaviour that we can do about this. At least, I hope there is.

Since I became an active socialist five years ago, I have maintained a regular and active involvement in socialist and anti-war organizing, but never have I been told to ditch school, max out credit cards or pawn my possessions for the socialist organization of which I’m a member or the anti-war groups I’ve participated in. I’ve never been asked to sacrifice my meagre possessions, pitiful savings or education, only my time and energy. And I’m often reminded NOT do things if I think it is too much for me, which I think is a sure sign of a sane organization.

I’ve managed to complete one degree, move on to a second, stay employed when I need to, generally have enough to eat, enough sleep and maintain a healthy social life. Sure, some days and weeks get hectic, meals are missed and five hours of sleep is all you get between flyering, postering, organizing meetings and so on, but this is something that happens for a few days two, three or four times a year. It is not something that happens long enough or frequently enough for me to get ill.

It sounds to me that FTT is something far more dangerous than just a group of classic sectarians. They are damaging people’s physical and mental health. These are precisely the sorts of things that we are fighting when we oppose war and capitalism. We shouldn’t be replicating these problems in our anti-capitalist, anti-war organizations.

I’m glad that Ian and Ivan and others have quit FTT. This leaves us with hope that those currently stuck in the cult-like FTT will not only get out, but seek to make amends with those they have hurt (politically, physically, psychologically, emotionally) and to reintegrate into the non-sectarian left and help us build and wage an effective, united and mass struggle against capitalism.

Sol,
D