A sophisticated academic socialist ridiculed me on Facebook for what she called “maudlin” posts about kids. There are all kinds of socialists–from those inspired to do something to end human suffering to those who think it’s avant-garde to talk in abstract, incomprehensible language about the dialectic. Applying theory to social struggle is essential. Taking distance from human beings fighting for their lives is telling of indifference or more likely of a privileged & safe distance from struggle. If you want to make a difference in politics, you give a damn about kids & you don’t give a hoot if that seems maudlin to sophisticated snobs.