Andrew Bolt simply does not understand Marxism

What must kept in mind is that all this was achieved between 1919 and 1934 – a time frame where most of the advanced capitalist world's working class had no hope of aspiring to these kind of living standards; or the opportunities to engage in such cultural participation.

Unfortunately democracy in Austria was crushed in 1934 by the 'Austro-Fascist' dictatorship of Engelbert Dolfuss – following a brief civil war.

Marxism is still worth teaching for a number reasons.

First there is historical relevance - including the role of Leninist parties, and the possibility that social and economic breakdown could see a return of radical class struggle. But there is also the importance of observing the truth about the plurality of Marxist tendencies and movements - many of which were (and in some cases still are) deeply democratic.

Crucially, there are also Marxist insights that remain pertinent. Insights into alienation and the division of labour (with the consequence of a lack of creative power and 'self-realisation' enjoyed by working people); insights into the nature of exploitation (that is, workers receive a generally falling proportion of the proceeds of their labours under capitalism), and the tendency in capitalism towards monopoly (which is bad for democracy, and bad for consumers). Consequently, consider the importance of movements for economic democracy, full personal development and cultural participation; and movements for negotiated mutual disarmament and peace. There are still many reasons to teach Marxism today; though in the context of a pluralist curriculum which pays equal attention to liberalism and other critical traditions.

Marxism is also often dismissed on the grounds that it "failed"; as epitomised by the collapse of the USSR and Eastern Bloc during 1989-1991. And yet at the time 'Perestroika' (democratic internal reform) and 'Glasnost' (systemic transparency and openness) under Mikhail Gorbachev (the USSR's former head of state) held the prospect of 'reforming Communism'. This was to involve a larger role for markets, civil liberties, pluralism, détente, and also disarmament and peace. But after the collapse of Gorbachev's efforts things arguably got worse in Russia- not better. A handful of 'Oligarchs' took over the economy - the means of production which had been built up by Russian and other workers without any input by capitalists over the course of more than 70 years.

Today dissidents are still mysteriously murdered; others are jailed or driven into exile. And the destruction of socialist ideology in Russia has seen a return of Chauvinism and reactionary, illiberal and authoritarian politics. The world would have been much better off with a 'gradual interpenetration' of East and West (ending with an extended European Union merging with the Eastern and Southern areas of the USSR) - with Glasnost and Perestroika helping to ensure peace and liberty - but also equality. Instead of this today - look to the war in Syria (approximately 140,000 dead) - with the West effectively backing an opposition which includes extreme Islamic militias - and Russia supporting the authoritarian and repressive Syrian Government - and hence also (indirectly) Iran. There is a return to old style 'Great Power Politics' - 'The Global Chessboard'.

All this said, the threat to democracy in Australia today comes not from the Left but from the Right.

Recent editorialising by the Herald-Sun displays an intolerance for even low intensity civil disobedience. And laws pushed through by the Napthine State Liberal Government in Victoria threaten freedom of assembly. The 'heavy hand of government' may result in up to two years jail for protestors. It is not going 'too far' to suggest liberal democracy is under threat in this country.

What alternative is there to democracy? What alternative to people being free to make their own mistakes - and hence learn from them?

In a real democracy the people never fully cede power to the State. A robust democracy involves a strong and participatory public sphere; a mobilised civil society. Everything from political parties and trade unions to social movements.

People readily dismiss dissenting interests (eg: unions). But look to the double standard where industrial liberties are ceded – and 'freedom' is reduced to 'free markets'...