Interview: Gregory Pason, National Secretary of the SPUSA

LB: Comrade Pason thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Before we begin could you start off by telling us a little bit about Greg Pason the man? Where you’re from, where you went to school, some of your hobbies and passions other than activism.
GP: I was born in Kearny, NJ in 1966. I’m married to Andrea Pason with one son (Trevor) a dog (Loki) and a cat (Nika). I graduated from Mendham (NJ) High School in 1984 and went from there to work (off/on) and homelessness (off/on). That’s where I developed my political ideas. I married Andrea in 1988 we had Trevor in 1994. I joined the SPUSA (YPSL first) in 1989).
Most of my interests are ”activist” related, from food not bombs to anti-racist work, etc.  I enjoy soccer, baseball, bicycling and music. I think we need to all bring socialist ideas to everything we do. We helped set up socialist supporters clubs during soccer matches,  critical mass bike rides and benefit concerts. I enjoy spending time with my wife and son and friends.
LB: If you had to describe socialism in a sentence or two, what would you say?
GP:  I’d say a system of social justice and economic democracy where people own and control the means of production and distribution.
LB: Currently, how big is the party? Are there any party members serving in public office?
GP: the Party is small, although one of the largest socialist parties in the US. Our membership ranges from 1000 to 2000. We’re currently somewhere in the middle. While we do not have elected officials some many of our members are elected into leadership in community and civil rights organizations and local unions.
LB: As you know there are a plethora of Socialist parties in this country. For the benefit of those who don’t know, could you please explain what sets the SPUSA apart from the others?
GP: The SPUSA is the only truly democratic socialist and multi-tendency national party in the US right now. WE try to work with any/all left/socialist organizations out there. The socialist movement is pretty small and we need to support each other.
LB: What makes the SPUSA different from the ruling Socialist parties in Western Europe such as the Labour Party in the UK, the German SPD, and the French Socialist Party?
GP: Many of the parties you list are social-democratic parties which have given up most of their original/radical/socialist ideals for elected office. The compromises they have made have kept them from implementing socialist programs. In most of the countries in which these parties operate, medium to larger alternative socialist parties have been established  which compete with them.
LB: When did you decide that you were a socialist and how did you come to that conclusion?
GP: I realized that while working and squatting or staying in temp housing (like the YMCA) that the system didn’t make sense  (at least to me). I new I wasn’t an anarchist (although I still support many libertarian-socialist ideals) and I knew that after reading about the “Communist” counties I was not a Leninist. The SP was a perfect fit.
LB: When did you join the party?
GP: I joined the Party after May Day 1989. I joined the YPSL and then joined the Socialist Party soon after.
LB: When were you elected National Secretary? What duties and responsibilities come with the job?
GP: I became National Secretary after the 1995 convention. The National Secretary is responsible for day-to-day operations, everything from dues notices, to membership list management, website design, mailing The Socialist, Hammer & Tong, The Organizer, planning National Committee (NC) meetings, conventions and whatever else the NC asks me to do. Many times I get support from other members, we could not function without volunteers and rank-n-file members.
LB: What kind of changes in terms of the party have happened under your leadership?
GP: We’ve grown from a Party of around 500 to the larger party we are and I like to think I’ve encouraged more activist work. I‘ve also run for elected office myself and encourage the Party to continue this work. This is obviously not only because of my work but because of the work of many rank-n-file members/organizers.
LB: What are your overall goals for the party over the next year or so?
GP: I hope over the next year we can better organize our locals and state organizations and increase our involvement in social movements.
LB: A few party members here in Kansas, feel that the current state of the economy not just here in America, but world wide has left people at least open to socialist solutions. Would you agree?
GP: I agree. Things that would have been laughed at by pundits a few months back are now being seriously considered. Nationalizing industry, large public works programs, etc are being now discussed by the current administration (!). Recently in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet with UE local members which occupied a local factory until they received back wages. This local is now discussing buying the factory. Actions like these just didn’t happened in the US, but our “free-market” system is collapsing on itself and working people are open to new ideas (including taking ownership of industry). This consciousness is not built overnight. People are reacting right now to survive, but as the system continues to collapse we need to be  there to put forward ideas and to support this work.