the creative genius of local forces
Without the participation of local forces, without an organization from below of the peasants and workers themselves, it is impossible to build a new life.
It would seem that the soviets should have served precisely this function of creating an organization from below, but Russia has already become a Soviet Republic only in name. The influx and taking over of the people by the “Party,” that is, predominantly the newcomers (the ideological communists in the urban centers), has already destroyed the influence and constructive energy of this promising institution – the soviets. At present, it is the party committees, not the soviets, who rule in Russia. And their organization suffers from the defects of bureaucratic organization.
To move away from the current disorder, Russia must return to the creative genius of local forces which as I see it, can be a factor in the creation of a new life. And the sooner that the necessity of this way is understood, the better. People will then be all the more likely to accept [new] social forms of life. If the present situation continues, the very word “socialism” will turn into a curse.
With comradely greetings,
P. Kropotkin
