Why Didn't the NPC Endorse No Kings Day? Symbolism Vs Substance

No Kings Day was an event of massive historical and political import. With estimates of participation ranging from 3 to 5 million in communities across the US, it was both the largest demonstration in US history and a truly national mass mobilization. An event in which DSA Chapters across country turned out in support. The curious point being that they did so without the endorsement or support of their own National leadership. Amid the near unanimous chorus of endorsements for the action the DSA National Political Committee was conspicuous by its silence.

In the wake of events the question as to why this was so naturally arises. Obviously not because DSA's national leadership has any sympathy with the Trump regime. So why did the NPC effectively ignore this mobilization?  Well now it can be told. It seems the NPC did indeed take up the question of endorsing/supporting No Kings Day. It was reportedly defeated by a narrow majority. That majority, comprised by Red Star, MUG and Bread and Roses, took alarm at a call encouraging people participating in No Kings Day to display US flags. The argument seems to be that since the US flag symbolizes US imperialism, endorsing a demonstration where the flag is displayed is tantamount to endorsing imperialism.

So now we know. DSA as a national organization was AWOL from the largest single day popular mobilization US history because of a matter of political symbolism. In this instance highly contested symbolism. Symbols by definition are open to multiple sometimes conflicting, paradoxical readings. The US flag may indeed be the flag of US imperialism but is equally the flag of anti-Monarchism, abolition and emancipation and a flag of the War Against Fascism. It is emblematic of all these things and more. Good and bad, for good or ill. This because symbols do not have intrinsic, material meanings but draw their associations from the context in which they are presented. 

It would seem obvious that US flags displayed at No Kings Day protests would have a far different symbolic impact than flags displayed at Trump's ego driven Military parade but not, evidently, to the majority on the NPC. For them it seems that symbolic meanings are fixed ideas, unalterably embodied in a chosen symbol and excluding all other readings.  Consequently this narrow reading dictates their tactics and strategy.

To be fair, Bread and Roses didn't actually take a firm position but argued that the question needed to be debated by the entire organization. However, having opposed endorsement on those grounds they then issued a public statement some two days before the event calling for chapters to support local actions for No Kings Day. One has to wonder at such a pivot.

In sum what we have seen is a classic case of obstructionism by a narrow majority of the NPC more concerned with theoretical abstractions than practical effect. Something to be kept in mind as the next National Convention and its elections approaches.

Walter Reeves, Atlanta DSA