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cally, there is the iron historical will
to
remain on the left at all costs - in the
face of the most overwhelming repudiation of cherished leftist beliefs in those
countries that had been under the sway of Marxist theory and communist
practice. On the practical side, there clearly are the inertia of belief, the
pressure of colleagues, and all the material considerations that attend one's
status in the university. No one who has belonged to a radical group can un–
derestimate the pressures of the group and the personal and career conse–
quences of leaving it. To be called a traitor, a reactionary, an imperialist, a
capitalist apologist - these are the least of the sanctions a former Marxist
faces ifhe questions the tribal laws of the political clan.
w.p.
