21st Dec '04

At the time it was set up in 2000 the Red Action discussion forum had a number of purposes.

The primary purpose was to allow RA members themselves to expand on, clarify, and get feedback from individuals outside of the organisation on a variety of controversial issues.

Prominent among these were the Peace Process in Ireland, the forecast of an electoral breakthrough by the BNP and the appropriate political response to it (including the IWCA initiative) which generated, separately or together, a vast number of posts.

A combination of the design of the site along with a liberal editorial policy saw fascist and anti-fascist, Right and Left, Loyalist and Republican, Anarchist and Stalinist engage each other, many for the first time, as equals.

At the same time those individuals who by the adoption of multiple identities hoped to increase influence and support for their viewpoint soon found that no matter the guise a subscriber was only as strong as his or her argument.

This allowed a light hand editorially which remains unique and because of that is not to everyone’s taste.

Periodic shouts of ‘Shame!’ continue to emanate from the conservative left.

However after almost five years it is fair to say that everyone knows fully where everyone else stands, the forum has served its purpose and the process has run its course.

As of Friday 24th 2004 this forum (as part of general site re-vamp) will no longer be updated.

In due course, it is intended that a substantial amount of fresh material will be added to the site and a search-friendly archive will be created containing some of the more informative and memorable threads.

Shame! This is just about the only place where there is *real* debate. I for one will admit that my thinking has changed a good deal in the couple of years I've been reading (and occassionally contributing) stuff on this site.

Thanks RA for setting up this forum, I just wish there was an alternative place to go once you close it down.

quote:

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Originally posted by RA news

At the same time those individuals who by the adoption of multiple identities hoped to increase influence and support for their viewpoint soon found that no matter the guise a subscriber was only as strong as his or her argument.

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So does that mean this forum is completely closed? I.e no more posts, debates etc?

If so, cracking stuff.

How dare you, How dare you

Shame that, its the only Red forum that says owt sensible

That's a pity, this was an excellent forum. Thanks to RA for providing it in the first place.

Red Action certainly have nothing to be ashamed about (which I'm sure their not in the least). This forum has been a breath of fresh air.

Now a middle aged 'lefty' who went through the ranks of the SWP during the late 70's and 80's; who was involved with some extraordinary working class militants in the fight against the NF in those heady days of ANL mk1; who fought alongside bakers, miners, steelworkers, printers, hospital workers and a variety of other struggles against the employing class. I wish to express my respect (in the true sense of the word) to those who've carried on this important, militant anti-fascist work and who have since developed a radical political alternative via the Independent Working Class Association.

I look forward with interest to the revamped RA website.

Raffles, T Evans, Toibreg, LLETTSA, Thomas Koner, John Buckman Jim, Fed, et al - it's been a pleasure!

Keep on keepin' on.

I'm sorry to hear that the forum is closing. It's closure will be a loss. I can't think of any other forum that is as politically interesting. (I can think of others that are better in other respects.)

The criticisms in this forum of fashionable leftish (or not so leftish!) doctrines, slogans and cant (like 'multiculturalism', celebration of diversity etc.) from a non-racist, radical, working-class point of view have been much needed - and cannot be found in many places.

To those who have run this forum: Thanks and I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading the new revamped site. Are you sure that you wouldn't like your new site to have a forum? Go on!

I visit regular and have found some of the arguments and explanations here to be spot on. I enjoy both sides of the argument and find that even the fash here, or some, generally seem to articulate themselves well. Haven't always been able to contribute, but as other duties call its good to keep in touch with whats going on with any working class news.

Its sad that the forums being closed, and I'd like to thank whoever makes the effort everyday - or most days - to do the work needed to update it.

Theres no other UK Left 'ish' working class forums out there - and I've appreciated the open debate here.

As for the 'fash' or Nationalists who articulate themselves well, just remember that we all come from the original black asiatic man - and woman. All this bollocks about meeting ancestors in Valhalla might be a bit of a downer when you discover that your great great great great (and 20,000 more - etc) Grandad - was as black as the ace of spades.

The WNP and NF should all commit a collective hari kari in light of this research. I'm sure a Sikh would lend them a ceremonial sword.

Long Live the Working Class.

God Bless Red Action.

It's disappointing news. I think that there is a great need for a largely uncensored forum such as this one where people from all shades of political opinion can debate (argue even!). I think that it is a mistake to close it and I wonder if the real reasons are being given.

Well, that's that then!

Anybody recommend any other similarly progressive forums which are not full of trendy lefty poseurs and Trot hacks ?

Thats a downer,this site is good cos its gets every debating not just the usual lefty arguements.What im a going to do on a morning,have a extra long shite?.

Ta-ra then. I reckon we should nominate a pub in the peak district where we'll all meet 12 months from now for a reunion stroke twitching expidition

I've never contributed to discussions, but it's been a fascinating near-daily read for me.

"Unique" as they say.

Thanks to all those involved in setting up and running this thing.

Bye bye RA board - you will be missed.