2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumExtremists
The question is not if we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yesterdays New Hampshire primary contests marked, in a very public way, the beginning of a significant shift in the political landscape. This does not mean the movement creating that shift is new; quite the opposite: such movements are always deeply rooted in the American experience. Take, for example, the concept of social justice -- a term currently applied to the economics of education and healthcare, among other things -- which can be traced back to the 1840s.
We find such a shift occurring in the early 1800s, when our nation shifted from being a Constitutional Republic, to a Constitutional Democracy. An important documentation of that shift is found in Sean Wilentzs The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln ( W.W. Norton & Co; 2005):
Important elements of democracy existed in the infant American republic of the 1780s, but the republic was not democratic. Nor, in the minds of those who governed it, was it supposed to be. A republic -- the res publica, or public thing -- was meant to secure the common good through the ministrations of the most worthy, enlightened men. A democracy -- derived from demos krato, rule of the people -- dangerously handed power to the impassioned, unenlightened masses. -- page xvii.
Though the political parties that take the names Democratic and republican have undergone changes over their many years of existence, today they both tend to offer those two very different options for leadership -- rule by elites versus rule of the people. Thus, it comes as no surprise when a republican such as Antonin Scalia -- speaking to a private group --states that democracy obscures the divine authority behind government, since divinely-inspired law demands that our nations elite rule. (Kevin Phillips; American Dynasty; Viking; 2004; pages 107-8).
That divine authority must, by definition, demands the worship of the dollar. Surely, the current republicans do not look to the most worthy, enlightened for leadership on global warming, or theyd listen to scientists. Instead, they look to the very corporate leaders who are most responsible for the gross destruction of the living environment. Thats the same as looking to the tobacco industry to evaluate the risks of smoking.
Bernie Sanders has noted that a handful of billionaires exercise control over the political life in the United States. The US Supreme Court has ruled that corporations have the right to free speech, meaning they can buy elections. I think that every member of the DU community recognizes that this represents the greatest threat to democracy in our country. And, of course, by controlling government, that elite group rules in economic matters. Thats a level of power that few would hand over, without a struggle.
The last American who threatened the political and economic power of the elite was Martin Luther King, Jr. There were, of course, plenty of people who hated him when he was struggling for Civil Rights. Some of them wanted to kill him. Yet, when King expanded his ministry in 1967 and 68, he faced new opposition. The 1% didnt care if King could drink coffee at a counter, or use any mens public restroom. They dont drink coffee at lunch-counters.
Without addressing the last day of Kings life -- and please do not do so here -- it is now well-documented that Army Intelligence was following King around the US, including at Memphis. More, on the floor of the US Senate, Robert Byrd advocated that King be incarcerated, before he could lead his proposed Poor Peoples Campaign in Washington, DC. Neither Army Intelligence or Senator Byrd was freaking out because they thought King might drink coffee and pee in a public restroom. No, they were in favor of utterly violating the Constitution of the United States, because they were convinced that Kings movement for social justice posed a threat to the economic dictatorship of the 1%.
Sanderss proposals, like Kings, are revolutionary. Now, as we know, the elites are not opposed to revolution. They still benefit from the evils of the Reagan Revolution. For that revolution shifted the economic power of Americas middle class to the 1%s account books. But they are damned sure opposed to shifting the power back to the citizens of the United States. Indeed, they are the most class-conscious group in America, and they want to continue to impose rules that only allow their side to engage in class warfare.
They were panicked by Occupy -- which was a modern version of Kings Poor Peoples Campaign. It is an error to underestimate the power of the Occupy movement. Or, the response to it. Its no coincidence that many of the early supporters of Bernies campaign were activists involved in Occupy across the country.
Yesterdays New Hampshire primary was extremely important. Its not just the Clinton campaign that is concerned about the Sanders movements growing power. The marionettes that pull the strings on republican politicians can say that theyd love to run against Bernie in the fall, but that absolutely is not true. They dont need a Fox talking head to know which way the winds blow.
We need to keep our eyes on the prize. Keep fighting the Good Fight. I know some of us here will continue to campaign for Hillary, and some for Bernie. And thats good. Lets keep doing as our conscience dictates, no matter which candidate we support in the primaries. And we can actually do that, without attacking the character of the other candidate, or those supporting their campaign. In fact, we can do a better job of advocating for our favored candidate, if we avoid the temptation to take a shot at the other campaign.
No matter which candidate wins the primary, at the Democratic National Convention, both are going to have a say. And each will be speaking from a position of power. For in the final analysis, we arent in a position to turn our backs on each other. There is a shift of power going on in this country, that demands our best efforts to succeed.
Peace,
H2O Man
blm
(113,063 posts).
I wasn't surprised to see a cluster of "Bernie will raise taxes!" OPs here today. But I was really pleased to read one pro-Hillary OP in particular, a truly thoughtful essay by TygrBright:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511192630
That was, in my opinion, exactly the type of OP that elevates the level of discussion on this forum.
I will continue to attempt to post essays that describe the contest as I view it, in hopes that I, too, can help elevate the quality of discussions here.
Punkingal
(9,522 posts)H2O Man
(73,552 posts)blm
(113,063 posts)my job even harder. As if GOP redistricting NC wasn't hard enough. ; )
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)as you obviously know all too well, part of the crooked process that the 1% engages in overseeing, so that they can secure more seats in DC for their republican lap dogs. It is part of the plan to suppress participating in voting, by taking power away from citizens.
I'm really glad that you are fighting that Good Fight, blm!
blm
(113,063 posts)We're like one-armed paper hangers here. It will have an effect on other districts, as well. Our primary was supposed to be midMarch. Now it's all in flux - county Dem meetings up the wazoo. ; )
longship
(40,416 posts)I don't always agree with her position, but I always like her posts.
I don't agree with anyone on everything. My kids like to say that I'm the only person who can cause a heated argument in an empty room. (I point out that the room wouldn't be "empty" if I was in it.)
Those differences in our opinions don't have to be viewed as potential weaknesses -- though I advocate exploiting differences among republicans, as by nature, they are far more rigid in their thinking. In fact, those differences can usually be translated into the movement's strengths.
Always good to talk to you, my friend!
longship
(40,416 posts)H2O Man
(73,552 posts)That means a lot to me.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)and off to read Tygrbright's post, since you recommended it.
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)I am very impressed with TygrBright's OP. Obviously, I support Bernie, and am fully convinced that he can best represent us, both in November, and as president. But I think the other OP makes one of the best cases of why good people also support Hillary.
It would be great if there were more discussions and debates at that level of rational thought. It contrasts with the collection of "Bernie will raise taxes!" OPs today.
farleftlib
(2,125 posts)in Davos Switzerland, a CEO named Stephen Schwarzman to be exact, saying Sanders viability as a candidate is the reason world markets are tanking. They are not pleased with Sanders. They will fight Sanders. For one of the corporate titans to poke his head up at that moment and to point a finger at Sanders and say "It's his fault" and then claim the world wants us to fix it, should concern all of us.
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)We need to be aware that the 1% is in no sense patriotic; indeed, they belong to an elite global community, that seeks to institute a "new world order" that seeks to inflict an economic system that crushes the middle class everywhere, including the USA.
Their selfish, often brutal behaviors should not cause us to change our goals, of course. But the Sanders campaign definitely threatens more than the domestic elites.
Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)H2O Man
(73,552 posts)Gregorian
(23,867 posts)I still remember lurking on the previous version of DU, while many were dissecting the situation whereby a covert CIA agent was revealed to the public. I recall not fully following the discussion. But over time, thanks to those who have shared their knowledge, I have had the chance to grow more than I ever expected. I can't express how much this kind of support has benefited my life. I, in turn, am able to support others. And I can be a legitimate benefit to someone like Bernie Sanders, and his campaign.
You have hit directly at the heart of the troubles this country has faced, from inception until now. It's a perspective which is highly empowering, to know the intentions of those in power. It enables us to know which way to expect the blows, and how to deflect them, and ultimately defeat them.
We are very close to achieving a new level of democracy in America. What I would like to see is a definitive defeat for those who oppose civil rights. Ordinarily this is an ongoing fight, forever. What I would hope we secure from this election cycle is a permanent understanding and embrace of full democracy. One that endures the efforts of those who would rather rule than represent. One where the citizens finally value, and demand nothing short of, the benefits which are the fruits of a true democracy.
As an aside, I would like to know how the transformations of people like Robert Byrd, and Henry Wallace transpired. It's another subject, yet it's also part of the process which could give the people a greater majority of liberals. And it might help understand how to achieve such a shift away from conservative mantras by those who do not benefit from them.
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)The infamous DU "Plame Threads" were, in my opinion, one of this forum's highlights. Of course, I'm not objective, as I was one of the more active participants. I was fortunate, because I had a solid source for information, and what was found in those threads served as a feeder for a couple of MSNBC's investigative journalists, primarily David.
At one point, after I had wrote some stuff on DU, it found its way to one of Senator Clinton's friends. He would rate as a mid-level assistant to her campaigns, as a liberal journalist and personal friend of Ms. Clinton's. He ended up calling me, to try to access my source ....which, unfortunately, was information that I was not at liberty to share with him. But it was tempting.
Yesterday, we witnessed the biggest sign to date that the Sanders campaign has real power, and is creating a shift in American politics. We are living in a historic era, my friend. How far higher it is able to bring us remains to be seen. But I am feeling very good about it today.
blm
(113,063 posts); )
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)It was someone who read DU:GD, though. I think there are more people who read DU from time to time, than participate here.
blm
(113,063 posts).
It was an interesting time on DU. I wish that we could have a reunion, with all of the old gang!
blm
(113,063 posts)and brilliant they could have rivaled the Algonquin Table. ; )
Some of those discussions literally were at the university of hedge schools level.
mmonk
(52,589 posts)Us older DU people have the working memories still intact to draw in the similarities and purpose. It is important to look at the paths we have taken to see where we are as well as how to move forward. Recommended.
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)You may recall that I used to say that the progressive community needed to re-visit King's proposed Poor People's Campaign. When I saw the beauty and power of Occupy, I knew that I wasn't "nuts." Even if those who started it were not consciously up-dating Martin's plan, they were definitely making it a reality.
I've seen liberal people question its significance. I'm convinced that the coordinated effort to disrupt and destroy it serves as the best measure of Occupy's value.
And I agree with you about the value of studying history. There's no need, as the old saying goes, to re-invent the wheel. But we should be letting the air out of the republican's tires.
Uncle Joe
(58,364 posts)Thanks for the thread, H2O Man.
H2O Man
(73,552 posts)Much appreciated.
shanti
(21,675 posts)You always get to the heart of the matter.