They have seen a meteoric rise in recent years. Their sister/front organisations like ANSWER, Codepink, People’s Forum, BTnews have all become household names. When I look at protests in the U.S., it seems so many of them are organised directly, or indirectly, by them. In comparison, organisations like the CPUSA or the DSA are lacking behind.
How and why?
Short Answer: Marxism-Leninism
Long Answer:
Extreme endurance on the part of the organizers, who began at a time when the US was in even more of a counterrevolutionary period and things would have reasonably seemed hopeless for socialist organizers.
In addition, being mild in manner but radical in material, and instead of being abrasive and ultra-left in ways that alienate people, instead focusing on being approachable while bringing in radical politics.
Finally, the movement for Palestine in the US has been in huge parts brought forward by them and allied groups. By advocating for Palestine for decades in what was originally an unpopular position, being consistent in their support for Palestine for decades meant that they were well equipped to help rise and be risen by the movements for Palestine in the U.S.
Also it should be mentioned that the party’s active practice of Democratic centralism gives them the ability to engage with these things on a national scale. While I have much love for many of the DSA Members I know, the DSA suffers from it’s association with Bernie Sanders and the liberal party who do not reciprocate this support; and it’s a very decentralized organization which means that many branches do not work together or follow national’s lead the same way that PSL branches do.
PSL’s consistency is something I really admire about them. I’m not a full member and probably wouldn’t make it since I’m too lazy and theoretically weird, but I’m seriously impressed with how they remain very steadfast. They don’t mince words. They say China is socialist, America is a racist empire, Israel is committing genocide. It’s refreshing. They don’t stray from that.
The moment that JD asked Z-man if he was sorry, PSL was posting about how the Ukraine war was started by NATO. Even if that’s a tough pill for people to swallow, those holding the correct position will be vindicated in the long run. I’m on the verge of joining PSL (not sure if I will as I’m kinda scared of being black bagged to CECOT) and their principled stances, even when controversial for most, are very admirable.
I will always show up to their events. If any group has a chance at raising class consciousness and mobilizing workers in USA its them