Most journals say something about themselves in their first issue, and we are no exception. The editors feel that perhaps the best reason we cah give for our publication is to be found in the article on the que— stion of building 4 Marxist cadre, which is the major item in this issue. But something more explicit is required to justify the production of a rew socialist journal. Basically there are two main reasons. Firstly, the lack of theory generally in the British Labour Movement. Secondly, the need for a journal that will be a discussion forum at e@ serious level.
Those two points need a little amplification. On the first count we would maintain that there are a number of journals available that do deal with theory but much of what is done is inadequate or badly done. Moreover there is still a tendency for many Marxists to fall back on the texts rather than using them as a springboard for analysis. On the second count we would say that most journals of the left do not carry on discussions - they stage confrontations. Not that confrontations are themselves a bad thing, rather we feel that an intellectual diet composedsolely of such fare can be debilitating. Therefore it is our hope that we shall encourage fruitful exchanges of ideas and experiences. As the name of thia journal states we want it to be one that will not only stimulate but algo one that can be used in 4 serious manner.
Our aim is that each issue will have a major theme, We shall try to gather material that is relevant to such themes, both contemporary and past. We shall try to include material from past writers, or which has been previously published in such a way that will be relevant to the subject discussed and not as an act of piety. All too often people are urged to study the Marxist classics in a vacuum, as though such study was good for their soul . But such classics must be seen as 4 storehouse of experience which has to be drawn upon and used in the light of present conditions. Any study of Marx's writing will show that he was continually modifying his ideas.in the light of his experience. In this sense he was the first 'revisionist'. This must of necessity be the case unless Marxist theory is te be turned into a set of dogmas.
Having said that we would like to also say that the willingness to explore, probe and dissect new situations is not an excuse for sloppiness. Like any other discipline Marxism has its own fundamental rules.
Finally, on a practical note. We shall be producing The Bulletin on & quarterly basis initially, more frequent publication depends upon circumstances. We are well aware of the disadvantages of such a time time lag between issues, this is why we shall sttemrt to give each one a central theme. Contributions, either letters or articles will be welcome and we shall try to ensure publication of any material submitted. If you want to see The Bulletin succeed the most practical way of doing this is to take out a subacription and get others to do the same. Our major problem, like any journal of the left, will be finance, please help us to overcome this.
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