As a progressive, I have observed that many times, a few progressive steps forward are met my several steps backward. This was true of 2009. The Left made some signifigant gains, but these gains were undermined by the backlash from the Right. From my point of view, i am trying to recap this year from the left, and to evaluate whether or not the progressives actually made gains politically. Now , I dont just mean seats in the House and Senate. I am talking about globally, did the Left have a good year?
Barack Obama did win the White House. This was a major accomplishment for progressives as he is a the first black president and he is, or he was far left. This is a step forward if not met by a right wing tea bagger reaction.
He has made some efforts to pull out of Iraq, but that was offset by his increased occupation in Aftganistan. He promised health care reform, but many on the left think that his health care overhaul has been a dismal failure. But I suppose it was better than nothing. I guess. So, some of us on the Left had high hopes, only to get them dashed with reality. Progress comes slowly, as we have to fight those in power for every little concession. Plus, they have the money to fight us, and money often wins. This is the cold hard, sad truth. So many times when i see a political movement to the left, a revolution if you will, i get excited! I think, well, the human revolutionary spirit is alive and kicking again. Then, power and money see this as a threat. They sink their money into it, and often buy back the revolution. If the United Fruit company can buy a CIA hack to stave off a revolution that might hurt his interest, then he is going to do it.
So this is why I am a cynic. This is why I have little faith in the political process. I believe in Revolution. I believe in the human spirit. I believe that humanity will eventually wise up! But i am getting impatient.
Overall, I will say that the left made some progress, but not a whole heck of alot. Now, I have this lingering fear that the backlash is coming, and so do the pundits. So, are we going to take some steps back in 2010. Yeah probably! So am i going to bitch and moan, or do I have a solution? Yeah, I got one.
What fuels the left progressive movements? Ideas, dreams, visions. What fuels the right and a contra -revolution? Ahh, okay so it is money. The left is going to have to start fighting fire with fire. But I dont mean sell out. I mean stay true to your leftist idealogy, but keep your eyes on the prize. I am a materialist, I know what makes the world go around. We must get money, so we can have access to everything the Right has. We cannot win this war for social and economic justice without it.
So that is my plan. What is yours?
No comments:
Post a Comment